SNP deputy leader to step down later this year, citing stress
The deputy leader of the Scottish National Party is due to step down following revelations about his private life.
Stewart Hosie was one of two married SNP MPs revealed to have had an affair with political journalist Serena Cowdy last week, alongside his colleague Angus MacNeil.
Hosie has previously announced that is splitting from his wife, Shona Robison, the Scottish government's health secretary, and has now written to SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to state that he will not seek re-election as the party's deputy leader, blaming his health.
“I have been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past few years with very high blood pressure,” Hosie said.
“In that regard, the stress of the intense scrutiny of my private life has been very difficult.
“I intend to concentrate on my constituents, my responsibilities at Westminster, and most importantly, my health.”
It is not known whether Hosie will also cease his role as the party's Westminster Treasury spokesman.
A new deputy leader will be re-elected later this year, and announced at the party's Autumn conference.