Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has resigned from the SNP amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Salmond is facing two complaints, and is taking legal action against the Scottish government in response.

He said it is his "absolute intention" to re-apply for membership once he has "had the opportunity to clear my name."



Alex Salmond has resigned from the SNP amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Two complaints were raised in January against the former Scottish first minister and he was informed of an investigation in March.

Mr Salmond has fiercely denied the allegations.

He is taking court action against the Scottish government to contest the complaints process activated against him, with papers lodged at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

In a message posted on Twitter, Mr Salmond said he has written to the party’s national secretary to resign his membership.

He stated: “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.