REUTERS
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.
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".
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."
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.
"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.
Mr Robertson had won widespread praise for his performance at PMQs, with many political opponents commending his forensic questioning of the prime minister.
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