SCOTTISH Labour’s top official has quit.

Staff at the party’s HQ were told on Friday morning that Brian Roy, appointed by Jim Murphy to be general secretary five years ago, is leaving his position.

His unexpected decision to walk away from Labour comes as the party in Scotland tears itself apart over indyref2.

A civil war was sparked on Monday when Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said a UK Labour government would not block a second vote on Scottish independence.

But Scottish Labour’s position is to not allow a vote. Despite being challenged by Holyrood leader, Richard Leonard, McDonnell refused to back down.

READ MORE: Labour civil war explodes into three-way fight over indyref2

A source told The National's sister paper, The Herald, that there had been speculation among staff at Scottish Labour that people were trying to force Roy out.

“It’s not a complete surprise. There had been speculation that the Scottish leadership wanted him out. But there is still a degree of upset. I think it has blindsided a lot of people.”

READ MORE: Labour civil war: Indyref2 statement issued against Leonard's wishes

The Herald also claim Tommy Kane, Jeremy Corbyn's political adviser on Scotland, is tipped to replace Roy.