SNP business convener Angela Constance has described the use of cash donated for independence campaigning as an 'internal party matter', amid calls for a fresh police investigation into over £600,000 of party funds.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Ms Constance, who is also Scottish Health Secretary, said the original complaint had been investigated and justice served through the embezzlement conviction of former chief executive Peter Murrell. She stressed that the SNP's raison d'être is to further independence.
Police Scotland confirmed no new investigation would be launched, stating the matter had already been examined. SNP leader John Swinney said the £600,000 was part of party resources for independence objectives.
Depute leader Keith Brown insisted donors had not been defrauded, saying funds were always understood to be for independence aims. However, Scottish Conservative and Labour deputies criticised the response as evasive and a cover-up.
