Stand-in chief who smears party critics as the ‘enemy’

SNP president Mike Russell will become ‘caretaker’ chief executive until a new leader is elected.

The former Brexit Minister will take over from Peter Murrell with immediate effect after his shock resignation.

Mr Russell, who was chief executive in the 1990s, is one of Nicola Sturgeon’s key allies and regarded as one of the main four stalwarts of the SNP, along with her, Ian Blackford and John Swinney.

In particular, he is a firm believer in party discipline, going as far as to call those opposed to the SNP ‘enemies’. He has chaired a number of the hustings to help find the next party leader.

Mr Russell, 69, will stay in the post until the next First Minister is chosen. They will then appoint their own chief executive.

Last night, Nationalist MP Kirsten Oswald said: ‘As business convener, I called the national executive committee [NEC] to meet today to take responsibility for ensuring the overall operation of SNP headquarters and ahead of the election of a new party leader.

‘NEC unanimously backed Michael Russell, our widely respected party president and a former chief executive, to take responsibility for dayto-day operations on an interim basis until a new party leader is in place and the process of appointing a permanent replacement is complete. I am pleased to confirm that Michael has agreed to this.’

Ms Oswald also insisted the ballot for the leadership race would not be restarted in light of Mr Murrell’s snap departure. She said: ‘The leadership election has been overseen entirely by the national secretary, Lorna Finn, who is responsible for all party elections, not the chief executive, and as a result these changes have no impact on the operation of the leadership contest.

‘The ballots are issued and counted by Mi-Voice, a respected independent company, and voting concludes next Monday.

‘Throughout this period, I thank the hard-working and diligent staff at SNP HQ whose commitment to our party is second to none.’

Mr Russell, however, has been at the centre of social media controversy in recent days. On Thursday, he responded to concerns about SNP transparency over the leadership race with a tweet that read: ‘As the SNP president I have told the national secretary I support publishing membership figures.

‘I also have full confidence in her and the external verification & count.’ He added: ‘I am disgusted by the abuse directed at the SNP staff by individuals who damage our cause and aid our enemies.’

Critics were particularly concerned about his use of the word ‘enemies’, which was seen by some as inflammatory language.

Later on a live stream, Mr Russell doubled down on his blunt appraisal, saying: ‘I think there has been an organised or disorganised attempt to discredit the SNP.

‘This has nothing to do with publishing figures.’

Yesterday, Ms Oswald used the announcement to thank Mr Murrell for his service to the party.

She said: ‘Peter has been a key part of the team that has led the SNP to election win after election win and changed the face of Scottish politics.

‘He steps down with our appreciation for his many years of service and great electoral success.’

‘Damage our cause and aid our enemies’