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Angus Robertson steps down as SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson steps down as SNP deputy leader
(about 1 hour later)
Angus Robertson has announced he is standing down as deputy leader of the SNP with immediate effect.Angus Robertson has announced he is standing down as deputy leader of the SNP with immediate effect.
He lost his Moray constituency to Conservative Douglas Ross in the UK general election last June.He lost his Moray constituency to Conservative Douglas Ross in the UK general election last June.
In a letter informing Nicola Sturgeon of his decision he said his mandate had been to partner her at Westminster but that it was now time to move on.In a letter informing Nicola Sturgeon of his decision he said his mandate had been to partner her at Westminster but that it was now time to move on.
He said in a tweet he would "always be there to help Scotland reach its full potential".He said in a tweet he would "always be there to help Scotland reach its full potential".
Tweeting a response to Mr Robertson, the first minister Ms Sturgeon described him as an "outstanding" deputy leader.Tweeting a response to Mr Robertson, the first minister Ms Sturgeon described him as an "outstanding" deputy leader.
She added: "You should be very proud of your enormous contribution to our party's success. I wish you well and hope to see you back in frontline politics in the future."She added: "You should be very proud of your enormous contribution to our party's success. I wish you well and hope to see you back in frontline politics in the future."
In his letter Mr Robertson wrote: "Since the 2017 general election I have been focussed on supporting campaign best practice for local SNP branches, constituency associations, elected members and the party nationally.In his letter Mr Robertson wrote: "Since the 2017 general election I have been focussed on supporting campaign best practice for local SNP branches, constituency associations, elected members and the party nationally.
"As discussed recently, I believe I am no longer able to fully discharge my mandate, which was to partner you as Westminster SNP leader and as a parliamentarian representing a rural constituency."As discussed recently, I believe I am no longer able to fully discharge my mandate, which was to partner you as Westminster SNP leader and as a parliamentarian representing a rural constituency.
"While it would be my greatest privilege to continue as depute leader, I know you understand that I have to focus now on pursuing new career opportunities.""While it would be my greatest privilege to continue as depute leader, I know you understand that I have to focus now on pursuing new career opportunities."
After losing his Westminster seat in the general election, Mr Robertson was replaced as SNP Westminster leader by Ian Blackford. He added he was "tremendously honoured" to have held the role, and would now work to support public policy development in Scotland as an advisory board member of the Scottish Policy Foundation.
Mr Robertson had won widespread praise for his performance at PMQs, with many political opponents commending his forensic questioning of the prime minister. Ms Sturgeon told the former MP he had "always been a source of wise counsel" to her, noting that when he was first elected to Westminster the SNP had just five MPs.
The party went on to win 56 of the 59 seats up for grabs in Scotland in the 2015 general election, although it lost 21 of those constituencies some two years later.
Ms Sturgeon said: "Our political and electoral success over the last decade has been nothing short of extraordinary - and the party owes you an enormous debt of gratitude for the personal role you have played in bringing about that success.
"That includes your part in the 2014 referendum which brought the country closer to independence than ever before."
After losing his seat in the general election, Mr Robertson was replaced as SNP Westminster leader by Ian Blackford.
Mr Robertson had won widespread praise for his performance at PMQs, with many political opponents commending his questioning of the prime minister.