Scottish Prime Minister's husband resigns from ruling party leadership

The husband of Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon resigned as leader of the ruling National Party on Saturday following a controversy over the number of party members.

The resignation of Peter Morrell, 58, comes a month after Sturgeon abruptly resigned as Scotland's prime minister.

"The responsibility for SNP responses to media queries about the number of our members lies with me as chief executive," Morrell said.

"Although there is no intention to mislead, I acknowledge that this was the result. I have therefore decided to confirm my intention to step down as CEO with immediate effect."

SNP communications officer Kiss Muriel resigned on Friday after it emerged he had been asked to deny reports that the SNP had lost 30,<> members.

The party was forced to confirm that its membership had declined after the three candidates vying to succeed Sturgeon requested the release of information.

The party confirmed Thursday that its membership had fallen from 103884 in 2021 to 72186,15 on Feb. <>.