Holyrood faces vote on SNP finances after Murrell’s £400,000 embezzlement admission
Labour asserts that "questions are piling up" regarding former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell’s embezzlement "crime spree" as it pushes for Holyrood to conduct an inquiry into the scandal.
With Scottish First Minister John Swinney repeatedly rejecting calls for an investigation at Holyrood, Scottish Labour plans to force a vote on the issue this week.
A motion set to be debated on Wednesday argues that an inquiry is necessary "to restore public trust in Scottish politics."
This could examine the "implications and lessons to be learned following the conclusion of Operation Branchform"—the Police Scotland investigation into SNP finances, which ended with Murrell pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 over 12 years.
Swinney has consistently maintained that no inquiry is needed at either Holyrood or the House of Commons because there has been an extensive police investigation.
Speaking last week, the SNP leader stated: "We’ve had a police investigation, there can be no higher investigation and more forensic investigation than a police investigation.
"I therefore do not support the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry, because we have had an investigation and it convicted somebody for embezzling from my party’s funds."
His comments came amid concerns that the SNP may potentially have reclaimed VAT on some of Murrell’s fraudulent purchases—such as the £124,000 campervan which was recorded as a van on party paperwork.
Swinney confirmed on Thursday that the party had begun discussions with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs regarding this.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: "Questions are piling up about the circumstances surrounding Peter Murrell’s crime spree and with public money potentially misused, John Swinney’s ’nothing to see here’ act is becoming increasingly untenable."
She stated: "This is a matter of trust and integrity in politics and public life.
"If John Swinney has nothing to hide, he should welcome the chance to get answers on this sordid affair—but for some reason he is determined to try and dodge scrutiny.
"The SNP should have led the way in setting up this inquiry, but instead it falls to Parliament to demand the truth.
"Scotland deserves answers and I hope on Wednesday MSPs across the chamber will back transparency over cover-up by voting for Scottish Labour’s motion."
Technology & Business Editor
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