Murray Foote resigns as chief executive of the SNP

MURRAY Foote has resigned as the SNP’s chief executive.

The former Daily Record editor and architect of the 2014 Vow confirmed his intention to step down on Friday morning.

He said he could not give the SNP the commitment it needed from a chief executive going into the 2026 Holyrood elections. However, he said he remained in support of both John Swinney and the independence cause.

Foote will stay on in the role until a replacement can be found, it is understood, with the SNP National Executive Committee due to meet to discuss the party’s next steps on Saturday.

Murray Foote has said he will stay on until a replacement is found (Image: Alan Simpson) Foote said: “The SNP has recently embarked on a substantial process of internal re-organisation and renewal to better equip it for current electoral contests and to prepare for the critical Scottish Parliament elections in 2026.

“While I agree these changes are both essential and appropriate, I also recognised after a period of reflection that I could not make the necessary personal commitment to leading the delivery of these changes into 2026 and beyond.

“In the circumstances, I concluded it would be in my best interests and the best interests of the party that I step down to give my replacement the time and space to mould and develop these changes in a manner they deem appropriate.

“I offer my very best wishes to both my successor and to colleagues at party HQ. I will always be grateful for the privilege of holding this post for the past 14 months and I stand ready to offer any assistance requested of me.

“I also believe that in First Minister John Swinney, our party has the right leader at the right time to advance the cause of Scottish independence and I look to the future with renewed optimism as I support him in that cause.”

First Minister John Swinney thanked Murray Foote for his work (Image: Andrew Milligan) First Minister Swinney said: “Murray Foote has made a significant contribution to the work of the Scottish National Party during his time as chief executive, playing a key role in strengthening the SNP's headquarters functions and supporting the party as a formidable national organisation.

“When I became leader of the SNP, I promised to deliver a professional, modern, dynamic election-winning organisation – and Murray’s successor will build on the work he has started.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Murray for his commitment and dedication to the Scottish National Party, and to independence, and I wish he and his family all the best for the future.”

Foote was the SNP’s chief of communications at Holyrood until he resigned in March 2023 amid a row over the party’s membership numbers. He suggested he had been given false information by the party’s then leadership.

Days later, Peter Murrell resigned as the SNP chief executive. Foote was announced as his successor in August 2023.