SNP looking for new chief executive with 'integrity and influence'

The SNP is looking to hire a new chief executive ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

The party is advertising for the post following the resignation of Murray Foote in October last year.

Foote, a former journalist, said he “could not make the necessary personal commitment” to delivering change in the party ahead of the election when announcing his departure.

Carol Beattie, former chief executive of Stirling Council, took over as interim chief executive pending a permanent appointment.

An advert for the “high-profile” position has been shared on Linkedin, with potential candidates urged to send a CV and covering letter ahead of February 9.

The post reads: “This is a defining moment in time for the Scottish National Party and our country.

“As chief executive you will play a key role in leading our organisation and supporting our mission to do the best for the people who live and work in Scotland.

“We are seeking a leader with integrity and influence to work with the Party’s political leadership to help implement our vision for our Party. In this high-profile position you will play a key role in leading and managing the organisation, building a professional, modern, dynamic election-winning party which is fundamental to the success of the SNP.”

Peter Murrell was chief executive of the SNP between 1999 and 2023. Getty Images

Peter Murrell held the position of chief executive of the SNP between 1999 and 2023 when he quit after taking responsibility for misleading the media about party membership numbers.

Murrell, the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, said he had become a distraction to the SNP’s leadership race.

Sturgeon announced that the couple had separated “some time ago” and would be getting a divorce in a social media post earlier this month.

Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon splits from husband amid police investigation

The former SNP leader announced that her marriage to the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party Peter Murrell was ending.

It comes after Murrell was charged with embezzlement of SNP funds last year.

Sturgeon and former treasurer Colin Beatie were also arrested but were released without charge, pending further investigation.

Operation Branchform has been ongoing since 2021 and is investigating what happened to around £600,000 raised by the party for independence campaigning.

The appointment follows the party’s ruling body proposing cutting staff at its headquarters from 26 to 16 through a voluntary redundancy scheme.

The party suffered a heavy defeat in July’s general election, losing dozens of MPs and being reduced to just nine seats.