The Scottish National Party has appointed a close political ally of Stephen Flynn as its new top spin doctor, just months before the crucial Holyrood elections in May.
Strategic Appointment Ahead of Key Election
Ruairidh MacKenzie, who has served as a senior adviser to the SNP Westminster leader and his parliamentary group, will now take on the role of head of communications and research for the party. This strategic appointment comes at a critical time as the SNP prepares for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Timing and Political Context
The 32-year-old political operative assumes his new position as Fraser MacDonald, who has held the post since 2023, prepares to leave at the end of this week to pursue a new career in public affairs. The timing of this transition places MacKenzie at the helm of the SNP's communications strategy during what promises to be a fiercely contested election period.
Emma Harper, convener of the SNP Group in Holyrood, announced the changes yesterday, stating: 'I am delighted to confirm Ruairidh MacKenzie's appointment as Head of Communications and Research for the SNP in Holyrood, who will play a key role in the upcoming Holyrood election.'
Flynn's Political Trajectory
The appointment carries additional significance given Stephen Flynn's own political ambitions. The Aberdeen MP is standing as a candidate for Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine in the May election and is widely tipped to become John Swinney's successor as SNP leader should he secure a seat in the Scottish Parliament.
Harper continued: 'Aberdeen MP Stephen Flynn is standing to become a MSP in May and has been tipped to replace John Swinney. The SNP is in a formidable position to continue its work to deliver for Scotland - investing in new GP walk-in clinics and delivering record hip and knee operations, with NHS waiting times falling for the sixth consecutive month under John Swinney's leadership.'
Transition and Future Outlook
Outgoing communications chief Fraser MacDonald reflected on his tenure, saying: 'It's been an immense privilege to serve as Head of Communications of the SNP for the last two and a half years. At the end of this week, I will pass that baton on to pursue a better work-life balance outside of politics.'
Harper acknowledged MacDonald's contribution, adding: 'I'd like to thank Fraser MacDonald for his service to the SNP in Holyrood and at Westminster and wish him all the best for the future.'
Confidence in Party Position
MacDonald expressed confidence in both the party's current standing and his successor's capabilities, stating: 'Under the leadership of John Swinney, and with the appointment of Ruairidh MacKenzie, the SNP is in a formidable position to win the 2026 election - to continue its valuable work of delivering for Scotland in Government and, crucially, to deliver independence for Scotland.'
This appointment represents a significant reshuffling of the SNP's communications leadership at a pivotal moment in Scottish politics, with the party seeking to maintain its dominant position in Holyrood while navigating both immediate electoral challenges and longer-term constitutional ambitions.
