Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has defended the SNP as a safe environment for whistleblowers, despite claims that those who raised concerns about party finances were ostracised. The remarks come after Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive and ex-husband of Nicola Sturgeon, admitted embezzling over £400,000 of party funds.
Speaking to the Press Association on Wednesday, Swinney said he had promised to foster an open and transparent culture within the SNP. He pointed to a debate on independence strategy at the party's annual conference last year as evidence that differing opinions are respected. “Nobody was ostracised, nobody was demonised for what they said,” he stated.
The long-running police investigation, Operation Branchform, was triggered by complaints about the use of £600,000 in crowdfunded money intended for an independence referendum. Critics, including former MP Joanna Cherry, have claimed they were “demonised” for raising concerns.
When asked about internal processes for raising issues, Swinney said: “Of course people can do that and their concerns and their issues will be taken seriously.” He also addressed Murrell's appointment as chief executive in 2001, during Swinney's first stint as leader, saying he had no knowledge at the time that would have influenced the hiring panel's decision.
Murrell's sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh revealed he used fake invoices and false expenses to buy luxury items, including a £3,070 robotic lawnmower and a £124,550 campervan. Swinney insisted the SNP is now a well-governed institution, despite Murrell's actions having undermined robust systems.
