Alex Salmond, Scotland’s former first minister and ex-SNP leader, has resigned from the celebration following sexual misconduct claims, which he denies.
He introduced he was once quitting in a video posted on social media on Wednesday evening.
Here is his statement in full:
“i have been a member of the Scottish National Party for 45 years, 20 of them as party leader and seven as First Minister of Scotland.
“I Hope i have done the celebration and the broader explanation for independence a few carrier.
Image copyright PA Image caption Alex Salmond campaigning for an SNP candidate in Edinburgh
“However, I did not come into politics to facilitate competition attacks at the SNP and, with Parliament returning next week, i’ve tendered my resignation to take away this line of competition attack.
“Such A Lot of all i’m aware that if the celebration felt compelled into suspending me it will cause substantial internal division.
“In my letter to the Nationwide Secretary I state that it’s my absolute goal to reapply for SNP membership just as soon as i have had the opportunity to transparent my title. I Am Hoping that may be by means of the tip of this yr.
“within the meantime i might urge nobody else to relinquish their SNP club.
‘i will carry on going’
“My entire center of attention for the next few weeks is preparing for Judicial Evaluate, in opposition to the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Executive, the preliminary ranges of which started the day prior to this.
“My purpose is to safe equity as a result of that is essential to transparent my identify. i’m awfully grateful for the messages of enhance and encouragement i’ve won, including from other people of other political persuasions.
“i can guarantee them all that i will carry on going.
“the prices of a Judicial Overview within the best possible courtroom in the land are large. Many have asked how they are able to lend a hand in an instant. Due To This Fact i have established a crowd-funder to help with costs.
“All sums received will give a contribution completely to progressing the Judicial Evaluate and any cash left over can be used to fortify good reasons in Scotland and beyond.
“Finally, i will be able to proceed to serve the independence motion in no matter what function and whatever capacity i will be able to.
“it’s a rare factor to be dedicated to a lead to more necessary than somebody, it’s a treasured thing to cherish it and my intention now – because it has always been -is to give protection to and sustain that lead to.”