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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Adam Robertson

Who is Murray Foote? Ex-Daily Record editor named new SNP chief executive

THE SNP have announced that Murray Foote has been named the party's new chief executive.

It comes after Peter Murrell resigned from the role earlier this year before he was later arrested and released without charge as part of Police Scotland’s investigation into SNP finances.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who is Murray Foote?

Foote previously worked as the editor of the Daily Record before being appointed to a top spin doctor post within the SNP in 2020.

He was instrumental in orchestrating “The Vow” on the eve of the 2014 independence referendum.

Signed by then-prime minister David Cameron, former Labour leader Ed Miliband and ex-LibDem leader Nick Clegg, it promised “extensive new powers” for Holyrood if Scots voted No.

In 2018, after retiring following four years as Daily Record editor, Foote announced he was a supporter of independence.

On The Vow, he previously told The Herald: “I had a job to do. My job was to represent the views of the readership of the Daily Record.

“That was what I did to the best of my ability, regardless of my political persuasion.”

Membership numbers dispute

Foote previously served as the SNP’s media chief but resigned earlier this year in a row over membership numbers.

It came amid the SNP leadership contest as candidates Ash Regan and Kate Forbes demanded clarity over how many members were eligible to vote in the contest.

Foote left the post earlier this year after being given false information by his predecessor Murrell to provide to the media, suggesting the party’s membership was in excess of 100,000, when it was really around 72,000.

Speaking about his new role, Foote said: "I am delighted to take up this important role and look forward to helping build the campaign for independence, both by strengthening the SNP's headquarter functions and supporting the party's formidable organisation across Scotland."

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