Former SNP cabinet secretary Alex Neil has added his voice to mounting calls for an independent investigation into the party's financial arrangements, following former chief executive Peter Murrell's admission of embezzling more than £400,000.
Background of the Scandal
Peter Murrell, who is also the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, appeared in court on Monday and admitted to embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP between August 2010 and October 2022. The funds were used to purchase a motorhome, luxury goods, two cars, designer kitchenware, multiple pairs of shoes, expensive pens, and a £1,200 space telescope.
Alex Neil's Call for Action
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme, Mr Neil said the party must launch an investigation into its funding arrangements and structures. He stated: "The SNP has to hold an independent inquiry, held by a senior KC, that would start with an audit of the current governing processes within the SNP and how the money is managed."
He emphasised that this was necessary because Ms Sturgeon had assured party members that "the SNP finances were fine" while "her husband was dipping into the till to a huge extent, over £400,000." Mr Neil insisted that "assurances from the current leadership isn't enough" and that an independent review is essential to restore donor confidence.
Joanna Cherry's Demands
Former SNP Westminster frontbencher Joanna Cherry KC has also called for an "independent investigation into what occurred," asserting there is a "wider public interest here that goes beyond the SNP." She accused Ms Sturgeon of a "remarkable lack of curiosity" over SNP finances and alleged that those who questioned the party's financial affairs were silenced by the leadership.
Current Leadership's Response
SNP leader and Scottish First Minister John Swinney insisted on Tuesday that the party's finances are "strong" despite the scandal. He highlighted that "strong and effective governance" arrangements implemented after he became leader two years ago have encouraged supporters to continue donating substantially. Mr Swinney noted that the SNP spent "the best part of £1 million" on the recent Holyrood election campaign, demonstrating the party's underlying financial strength.
However, Mr Neil argued that potential donors need assurance that their money will be properly managed, which can only come from an independent review to prevent a repeat of the Murrell episode.
