Former Sturgeon adviser backs independent inquiry into Murrell’s £400,000 SNP theft

Noel Dolan, who was Ms Sturgeon’s top special adviser when she was deputy first minister, said a senior lawyer from outside Scotland should be appointed by the party to investigate.

First Minister John Swinney has continued to resist calls for an inquiry, arguing the lengthy Police Scotland investigation which led to Murrell’s guilty plea last week means there is no need for a further probe.

Mr Dolan however told the Daily Record newspaper: “I do think that as this directly relates to the governance of the SNP, the party should set up an independent inquiry chaired by a KC from out-with Scotland.

“The remit of the inquiry should be determined in conjunction with the independent chairperson.”

He stressed the inquiry “must be independent and report back to the party with all due haste”.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry has also been calling for an inquiry into how Murrell was able to use his position as chief executive to embezzle the cash.

Former Labour first minister Jack McConnell has suggested there should a joint inquiry between the Scottish Parliament and Westminster.

Lord McConnell – who held the top job between 2001 and 2007 – said the case is “embarrassing internationally” for Scotland and he would “welcome a bit of a rethink at the top and a willingness to be open with some kind of public inquiry”.

Mr Swinney however has argued: “The problem was criminal behaviour and the police have identified that and the individual involved has been prosecuted.

“You cannot get any inquiry more detailed than a police inquiry, and I think we should all respect the fact there has been a detailed inquiry into all the issues.”