Image source, PA Media Image caption,

Mike Russell stepped in as interim SNP CEO after Perter Murrell resigned with immediate effect over misleading the press on membership numbers

There is "tremendous mess" in the SNP over the party's leadership race, the new interim chief executive has said.

SNP President Mike Russell, who stepped in to replace outgoing Peter Murrell, said the voting process must go ahead regardless.

Mr Murrell resigned on Saturday after taking responsibility for misleading the media on party membership numbers.

Leadership hopeful Kate Forbes said future decisions had to be made by "a big team" rather than a few people.

All three candidates vying for the leadership of the SNP have pledged to reform its operations.

What next for SNP as post-Sturgeon era looms?

SNP chief executive resigns over membership row

Peter Murrell: One half of Scotland's power couple

Mr Murrell, who is married to outgoing party leader Nicola Sturgeon, resigned with immediate effect on Saturday, saying he had become a distraction to the leadership race.