THE president of the SNP is facing a challenge for the role from a party activist.
The Herald revealed that current president Michael Russell is being challenged by land reform campaigner and SNP member Graeme McCormick.
Internal party papers showed that McCormick has been nominated for the role ahead of the SNP’s internal elections during next month’s party conference.
Traditionally, the role of president in the SNP is an honorary one bestowed upon those who have shown distinguished service to the party. It is not an executive position.
Previously, McCormick had stated his intention to stand for the role but then pulled out claiming he had entered it inadvertently.
“I don’t know how it happened,” he said.
“If I completed the form inaccurately, then I may well have inadvertently ticked the box [for President] and as soon as it was brought to my notice I withdrew my name from the contest.”
However, Russell told The Herald that he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I think Graeme McCormick stood [in 2021] and then withdrew his nomination.
“It is entirely up to him and I look forward to the challenge. I will be happy for members to choose who they wish to carry on the work which I've been doing.
"I've been busy over the last year. I had to take on the role of acting chief executive and I am co-chairing the constitution and governance review."
Russell became president of the SNP in 2020, beating bids from former ambassador Craig Murray and ex-MP Corri Wilson – both of whom are now supporters of the Alba Party.
He has continued in the role ever since and is now jointly heading the party’s governance review following Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation.
McCormick said he would make a statement regarding the challenge once the SNP published its final agenda for the party conference.
