The SNP and Scottish Greens have been accused of "sweeping things under the carpet" after they blocked a Holyrood inquiry into Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive who was jailed last month for embezzling £400,000.
The Greens instead proposed a broader investigation into the financing of all political parties, a move supported by the SNP. However, critics point out that the Scottish Parliament lacks the powers to legislate on such matters.
The SNP faces mounting pressure over why it ignored whistleblowers who raised concerns about the party's finances years before Murrell's conviction. Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, embezzled funds over a decade without detection by senior party figures.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie condemned the decision, stating: "The Greens amendment is a smokescreen to cover for the SNP. This is about sweeping things under the carpet." She added that the scandal undermines public trust in politicians and that a cross-party inquiry is needed to address questions beyond the internal workings of the SNP.
Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 over 12 years and is due to be sentenced later in June. Baillie confirmed that Scottish Labour would participate in any inquiry established by Holyrood.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster has indicated that Holyrood is the "most appropriate place for an inquiry," but MPs may step in if the Scottish Parliament fails to act.
