SNP spin doctor leaves government post to take key independence role

• Kevin Pringle has quit post as special adviser to Alex Salmond to become strategic communications director for SNP

• Pringle expected to play key role in SNP’s drive for independence

Kevin Pringle has quit as a special adviser to the First Minister, a government position that carried a salary of up to £83,963, to become director of strategic communications for the SNP. A statement from the SNP issued yesterday said Mr Pringle’s responsibility will include the SNP’s preparations for the independence referendum.

Mr Pringle said: “It has been a huge privilege to work for the first ever SNP government – which was resoundingly  re-elected on the basis of our positive record, team and vision for Scotland. And it will be an even greater privilege to play a part in achieving a Yes vote for independence in the autumn 2014 referendum, which I am absolutely confident we can do.”

Regarded as one of the brightest figures in the Nationalist movement, Mr Pringle has long been Mr Salmond’s right-hand man. In his new role, he will continue to report to Mr Salmond as SNP leader, but will also work closely with the SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon in her  capacity as a member of the  advisory board for Yes Scotland, the cross-party pro-independence campaiging group.

Mr Salmond said: “Kevin has given more than five years of outstanding service as a special adviser to the SNP government, and is returning to the party where he played a key role in the SNP’s election victory in 2007 and landslide re-election last year.

“I’m delighted that his talents will now be deployed in helping to deliver a Yes vote in the independence referendum in autumn 2014.”

By ceasing to work for the government, Mr Pringle will have more freedom to engage in party politics. His move could be interpreted as a sign of the SNP’s determination to get the best possible people concentrating on independence.

Willie Rennie, the Lib Dem leader, took a different view. He said: “There have been rumours of unhappiness within Salmond’s inner circle at his push for a second question. The departure of such a senior figure shows all is not well within the nationalist camp. This is an admission by Alex Salmond that the SNP has lost momentum and is losing the debate on Scotland’s future. Kevin Pringle is the First Minister’s closest adviser and top spinner. By moving him back to a political role, Mr Salmond has made it clear that his priority is the SNP’s survival and not the interests of wider Scotland.”