Labour has declared that Wednesday will be the "final chance" for the SNP and the Scottish Greens to "do the right thing" and support a parliamentary inquiry into Peter Murrell. The party has tabled a motion to be voted on by MSPs on Wednesday afternoon, calling for a Holyrood investigation into the former SNP chief executive's embezzlement of more than £400,000, which he spent on personal items.
However, the SNP has resisted these calls. First Minister John Swinney argued that there "can be no higher investigation" than the police probe, Operation Branchform, which led to Murrell's conviction. Despite this, Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie emphasized the need for answers, stating: "It is without doubt that there are still significant and serious questions to be answered about Peter Murrell's criminal activity and the SNP culture that enabled it to happen."
Baillie's Appeal
Baillie criticized the SNP's leadership for allegedly silencing whistleblowers and covering up wrongdoing, which she said has eroded public trust in Scottish politics. She urged SNP and Green MSPs to set aside personal connections with Murrell and back the inquiry. "They must set aside their personal connections with Murrell and realise that it is only right that we now have an inquiry into this scandal to allow Scotland to move forward," she said.
SNP Response
An SNP spokesman dismissed Labour's motion as a smear, stating: "Rather than focusing on the priorities of the people of Scotland, Labour are focused on smears like this. The SNP has been the victim of a crime, which has been uncovered after a forensic police investigation." The Scottish Government has tabled an amendment arguing that the inquiry would be a "conflict of interest" as MSPs would be investigating "rival political parties." The amendment urges parliament to focus on issues like the cost-of-living crisis, public services, and climate action.
Green Amendment
The Scottish Greens have also proposed an amendment calling for an independent review of political party finances to avoid a "nakedly partisan process." The Greens have been contacted for comment.
