Scottish former prime minister steps after accusation of sexual misconduct

london - Former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond has canceled his membership of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 63-year-old party champion became discredited by allegations of sexual misconduct. He denies having committed criminal offenses, but says he wants to prevent his party from suffering the fuss.

Salmond is seen as the driving force behind the Scottish independence referendum of 2014. The Scottish electorate then decided to stay within the United Kingdom. Salmond stepped up as prime minister after the plebiscite and now also leaves his party.

The Scottish government said last week that in January two complaints have been received about the behavior of Salmond. The current Prime Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon came under pressure from the opposition to temporarily suspend its predecessor. According to Salmond, such a decision could cause division within the party.

'I did not go into politics to facilitate opposition from the SNP,' says Salmond, who was prime minister from 2007 to 2014. ' I have submitted my resignation to deprive the opposition of this attack option. '' The former prime minister wants to register again with the SNP as ' I had the chance to clear my name ''.