SNP politician who wants independence without second referendum steps down from role

An SNP politician who proposed taking Scotland independent without having a second referendum is stepping down from a senior role.

Christopher McEleny has says he will step down from his role as the leader of Inverclyde Council in March.

Announcing the move on Twitter, SNP councillor McEleny said the role had given him "invaluable" experience in politics .

Scottish independence campaigners in Edinburgh (Getty Images)

He was one of the main proponents of the "Plan B" resolution at the that would bypass the need for a second referendum on independence if a majority voted for parties in favour of leaving the UK in the 2021 Holyrood election.

It sparked controversy and a split within the party leading to McEleny being booed by some delegates at the party's recent annual conference in Aberdeen .

In a statement, he said: "I have been lucky to be at the sharp end of politics for the past seven years and the experience I have gained is invaluable.

"It is for that reason that I believe the party will be stronger as a whole if others are afforded the opportunity to gain the experience I have benefited from as the council group leader, therefore I shall be stepping down as SNP leader in Inverclyde."

Mr McEleny said he would continue to serve as a councillor.