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SNP's Stewart Hosie to quit as deputy leader SNP's Stewart Hosie to quit as deputy leader
(35 minutes later)
SNP MP Stewart Hosie has said he will step down as the party's deputy leader in the autumn.SNP MP Stewart Hosie has said he will step down as the party's deputy leader in the autumn.
His announcement comes after newspapers reported he had been involved in an affair with journalist Serena Cowdy.His announcement comes after newspapers reported he had been involved in an affair with journalist Serena Cowdy.
In a letter to party leader Nicola Sturgeon, he apologised for "any hurt and upset I have caused to friends, family and colleagues".In a letter to party leader Nicola Sturgeon, he apologised for "any hurt and upset I have caused to friends, family and colleagues".
Ms Sturgeon praised his work for the party, adding he would continue to make a "valuable contribution".Ms Sturgeon praised his work for the party, adding he would continue to make a "valuable contribution".
Recently separatedRecently separated
In his resignation letter Mr Hosie said: "As you know I have been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past few years with very high blood pressure. Mr Hosie is expected to remain SNP Treasury spokesman at Westminster and deputy leader of Westminster group.
In his resignation letter he said: "As you know I have been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past few years with very high blood pressure.
"In that regard, the stress of the intense scrutiny of my private life has been very difficult.""In that regard, the stress of the intense scrutiny of my private life has been very difficult."
Mr Hosie recently separated from his wife, SNP MSP and Scottish Health Secretary, Shona Robison. The politician recently separated from his wife, SNP MSP and Scottish Health Secretary, Shona Robison.
In his letter he said it was "never his intention" to hurt or upset anyone. He said it was "never his intention" to hurt or upset anyone.
He went on: "I am also writing to tell you of my intention not to seek re-election as deputy leader of the SNP at this year's annual conference, giving ample time for the party to choose a successor.He went on: "I am also writing to tell you of my intention not to seek re-election as deputy leader of the SNP at this year's annual conference, giving ample time for the party to choose a successor.
"I intend to concentrate on my constituents, my responsibilities at Westminster, and most importantly, my health.""I intend to concentrate on my constituents, my responsibilities at Westminster, and most importantly, my health."
Responding to him, Scotland's First Minister Ms Sturgeon paid tribute to his work as deputy leader and in particular to his work on the 2015 and 2016 election manifestos.Responding to him, Scotland's First Minister Ms Sturgeon paid tribute to his work as deputy leader and in particular to his work on the 2015 and 2016 election manifestos.
She said: "As you step down as deputy leader, I know you will continue to make a valuable contribution to the party in many ways and, in particular, through your work in your constituency and as part of the Westminster group."She said: "As you step down as deputy leader, I know you will continue to make a valuable contribution to the party in many ways and, in particular, through your work in your constituency and as part of the Westminster group."
Earlier this week Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw reported both Mr Hosie and another SNP MP, Angus MacNeil, to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner over allegations they claimed expenses for accommodation while carrying out extra-marital affairs with Ms Cowdy.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC she had seen no evidence of any breach of parliamentary expenses rules.
The first minister was photographed in the Holyrood chamber embracing Ms Robison who has been married to Dundee East MP Mr Hosie for nearly 20 years.