Angus Robertson resigns as SNP deputy leader
Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to Angus Robertson after he resigned as SNP deputy leader today.
She thanked him for his friendship and service after he said he can no longer 'fully discharge his mandate' after losing his Westminster seat of Moray in a Tory surge eight months ago.
Robertson today tweeted: 'Thanks to all colleagues and constituents over 17 years of public life. It's been a tremendous honour to serve as deputy of Nicola Sturgeon and help transform Scottish politics.
Angus Robertson (pictured with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon) has announced he is stepping down as SNP deputy leader with immediate effect
The 48-year-old today tweeted: 'Thanks to all colleagues and constituents'
Robertson posted a photo of his resignation letter to leader Nicola Sturgeon in which he said he felt he could no longer serve as her deputy without a seat at Westminster
'Look forward to new opportunities but will always be there to help Scotland reach its full potential.'
He also posted a photo of his resignation letter to leader Nicola Sturgeon in which he said he felt he could no longer serve as her deputy without a seat at Westminster.
Robertson said he had a 'fantastic time' moving his country 'closer to independence' and that it was time to look for new opportunities.
He wrote: 'As we have 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.
'It is for that reason that I believe it is for others to step forward to seek the support of SNP members for the honour to serve as depute leader of Scotland's largest political party.'
Sturgeon replied, accepting his resignation and thanking him for his service and friendship
Sturgeon replied, accepting his resignation. She wrote: 'I would like to place on record my immense gratitude for the job you have performed in that role and, previously, as our Westminster leader.
'You have always been a source of wise counsel and I, likewise, have valued your friendship and support in the work we have taken forward together.
'I know that you are keen to pursue other career opportunities at the moment, and I wish you well in those endeavours, but I hope that we may see you return to frontline politics in future.'