SNP chief executive Murray Foote has announced he will resign for personal reasons.

He said in a statement he could not make the “necessary personal commitment” to delivering change in the party ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

The former Daily Record editor was appointed to the role in a surprising move in 2022 after previously resigning as the party’s head of communications in a row with former chief executive – and Nicola Sturgeon’s husband – Peter Murrell over membership numbers.

“The SNP has recently embarked on a substantial process of internal reorganisation and renewal to better equip it for current electoral contests and to prepare for the critical Scottish Parliament elections in 2026,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

Foote will stay in the role until a successor is appointed.

Murray Foote was praised by First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney, who hailed his “significant contribution” to the party.

“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,” he said.

Foote said he would “always be grateful” for being given the role, adding: “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.”

Meanwhile, the SNP has appointed the former head of Stirling Council as its interim boss.

The Sunday Mail understands Carol Beattie, who was Chief Executive of Stirling Council until May this year, will take over from Murray Foote who quit unexpectedly yesterday.

SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown MSP said: “Today the party’s National Executive Committee has appointed Carol Beattie as interim Chief Executive, and I warmly welcome her to this role at a crucial time for our party.

“She brings considerable experience to the role and her appointment will continue the work, under John Swinney’s leadership, to ensure a professional, modern, dynamic election-winning organisation.

“The SNP remains the dominant political force in Scotland – and Carol Beattie’s appointment will ensure we remain equipped for the tasks ahead.”

Ms Beattie said: “It’s a huge honour to take up the position of interim Chief Executive of the SNP.

“I look forward to meeting the team at the earliest opportunity and working with colleagues whose efforts have delivered the success of the SNP to date.

“I intend to waste no time in getting on with the important job of strengthening the party’s headquarters functions and supporting the party as a formidable national organisation.”

• Critics of the SNP and the Scottish Parliament will see this appointment as yet another indication of the chaos in Scottish politics and confirmation that the Holyrood parliament, which celebrated its 25th birthday this year, as no better than a local authority.  Or as Sir Billy Connolly once put it “a pretendy wee parliament”. Top of page picture is of SNP HQ, where large sums have been spent on a media room.