ANGUS Robertson’s resignation as SNP deputy leader is unsurprising, as you really need to be a full-time politician to fulfill such a post. Gordon Wilson discovered that 25 years ago when he lost his seat and bravely struggled on leading the party; an impossible task whilst seeking a job and trying to earn a living. That was pre-devolution and the SNP was a far smaller entity. The challenges even for a deputy’s role are far greater now, with a more complex political landscape and a much bigger party. Gordon stepping down paved the way for Alex Salmond. It’s very unlikely there’ll be such momentous change this time, but change there must be.

Doubtless, Angus’s decision to remain in post after his defeat was driven by loyalty to a party he’s served since boyhood and a desire to remain in the political fray. But, as Gordon discovered, a time comes when you need to make a fresh start for yourself and allow someone to do the role full time.

Angus’s talents will be readily sought, not simply within Scotland. Performances in Parliament were incisive and clinical, putting Jeremy Corbyn in the shade and prime ministers under pressure. Moreover, his linguistic skills and extensive engagement in international diplomacy are rare but precious talents. It is, therefore, the time for him to do something new for his financial needs and personal enhancement. He’s young enough to return to Parliament in the future, whether Holyrood or Westminster, but barring a Tory meltdown there will be no election for several years. That he may do, or he may find as others have once outside the political fray, that a new life has allures and attractions long forgotten about when embroiled in politics.

His contribution to the SNP has been enormous not just in recent highly successful years but through past decades of difficulty and toil. Much of the backroom management and planning both for the referendum and successful Holyrood elections were down to his leadership and guile. A leading “moderniser” within the party, I’ve not agreed with everything he’s done, but I’ve never doubted his talents since first meeting him when he was a schoolboy activist and the party was in the political doldrums.

But, what course for the party now? There’s pressure for Ian Blackford to stand. Having ably stepped into Angus’s shoes in Westminster, there’s a synergy in having the leader and deputy leader from the two main political arenas – though it needn’t be so as Stewart Hosie before wasn’t Westminster group leader and prior to that the role was held by Nicola Sturgeon who was an MSP. However, she first took that position when Alex Salmond became leader but was then still in Westminster.

Geography as much as being in Holyrood seems to mitigate against James Dornan. Not just the political institutions but all Scotland needs to be represented. As the leader’s political neighbour, it looks out of kilter on both counts. A balance between Holyrood and Westminster has merit, though it needn’t be the group leader nor is it mandatory.

There have been calls for the position to be the link between the party and the wider independence movement. But why? That’s important, but others can do that.

What matters isn’t the individual but how the Parliamentary group performs and what the party does in campaigning. The contest will be critical to that and the right individual can be pivotal. The SNP needs to become less comfortable in Parliament and more active on the ground. And there it’s the actions of the wider leadership that matters, for as Nicola marched the party up the hill on a second independence referendum and left it there, Angus ensconced the Westminster group comfortably on the green benches.

It is right that the SNP leader should hold the PM to account, as Angus did with aplomb. He was outstanding at Question Time, but questions need asked about all the time that’s spent in Parliament by SNP MPs. A less deferential attitude within it and greater willingness to challenge an institution established to thwart independence isn’t incompatible with the sterling work of many.

Activity on the ground is also badly needed. Party activity has diminished significantly and seats lost were largely through SNP voters staying at home. Some of that is understandable as a change took place as former stalwarts were elected to Parliament and new members who joined after the referendum took their place. But the party needs to knock doors as Angus did when he first joined. MPs need to be in their constituencies more, and on the green benches less. The party should be out speaking to people on the doorstep, not preaching to the converted. It’s not just who the deputy leader is but how the Parliamentary group acts and what the party does where change is needed.