Michael Russell steps down as SNP president

Michael Russell has served as SNP president since 2020

Former MSP Michael Russell has stepped down as president of the SNP as he bids to become chairman of the Scottish Land Commission.

The land reform post is non party-political and subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Russell - who retired from Holyrood in 2021 - is a former education and constitution secretary.

First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute to him as a "true stalwart of the SNP" and independence movement.

The final decision about who runs the land reform agency will be taken by MSPs.

Mr Russell has served as SNP president since 2020 and has been a member of the party for nearly 50 years.

He was elected to the Scottish Parliament in the first elections in 1999, although he failed to keep his seat in 2003 before being returned four years later.

'Deeply respected'

Mr Russell first became a minister, responsible for the environment, when he was re-elected in 2007.

He served in the Scottish government in various posts between 2007 and 2021, including environment minister, education secretary and latterly as Scotland's Brexit secretary.

Earlier this year, Mr Russell said the party was facing its biggest crisis in 50 years.

He also said he did not believe independence was achievable "right now".

Humza Yousaf described Mr Russell as "a deeply respected and much-loved figure in our party, and rightly so".

He added: "He has always been there to provide support and guidance to me personally and to many others whenever it has been needed, helping our party to remain anchored to our core values.

"The party owes Michael a great debt of gratitude."