Plans for a Holyrood inquiry into Peter Murrell's corruption appear to be dead due to Scottish Green opposition to an MSP probe. The Greens will vote against the plan this week after claiming an investigation would turn the Parliament into a “political circus”.
Background of the Scandal
Crooked Murrell is facing jail time after he admitted embezzling over £400,000 of funds from the SNP when he was married to Nicola Sturgeon. Rival parties say the scandal raises huge questions about SNP governance failings and whether public money was stolen. Delays to the case and the length of time spent by the police investigating the theft have also come under scrutiny.
Labour's Push for Inquiry
Scottish Labour want a Holyrood inquiry into the scandal and will force a vote on Wednesday. With the SNP opposed to a probe, the Scottish Greens have the power to green light or block an investigation.
Green Party's Stance
A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said they will vote against the inquiry proposal: “Peter Murrell’s crimes were a terrible breach of the trust of SNP members and supporters. He will now face the consequences of that. If further investigations are needed, they should be led by the independent Electoral Commission or Police Scotland, not political parties. There is an obvious conflict of interest in parties ‘investigating’ each other like this, not to mention the cost on top of the millions already spent on the police investigation. Scottish Green MSPs will focus on delivering policies that save people money and protect our planet. That is what all parties should focus on, rather than trying to turn our justice system into a political circus.”
Alternative Investigations
If Holyrood refuses to launch a probe, Westminster’s Scottish Affairs committee is ready to embark on its own investigation. It is understood the committee has already begun a scoping exercise on a potential probe.
Labour's Criticism
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: “They may have new leaders but they are the same old Greens – more interested in protecting the SNP than standing up for the people of Scotland. By refusing to back our vote for a Parliamentary Inquiry, the Scottish Greens are standing in the way of the answers Scots deserve and directly preventing parliament from performing its role to scrutinise the Government and to ensure transparency and openness in our politics. An inquiry is not about scrutiny of the SNP’s internal processes, it’s about considering whether public money has been misused. I urge them to reconsider their position and allow an Inquiry to take place. The SNP cannot be allowed to avoid scrutiny and continue to degrade people’s trust in politics and politicians.”
