THE SNP has appointed its former head of media for its MSPs to replace Peter Murrell as chief executive.

Murray Foote will take over the role just months after he resigned from his media role over a row about membership figures.

He had responded to a story in the Sunday Mail that numbers had dropped by 30,000 describing it as “drivel”.

It was later revealed that numbers had dropped, and Mr Foote said he acted in good faith based on information from party HQ.

Murrell resigned as chief executive the following day.

Foote will now return to work for the party and take over the running of the HQ.

The SNP said Foote has been appointed after a “rigorous, open recruitment process”.

Kirsten Oswald, SNP Business Convener, said: “Murray was an exceptional candidate in a strong field.

“His managerial experience and skills will enable him to hit the ground running in delivering for SNP members, including leading changes in governance and transparency in party headquarters."

Foote, a former editor of the Daily Record, 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."