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2mo ago

Holyrood Rejects Labour Inquiry as Murrell Faces June 23 Sentencing

The SNP and Greens backed a wider independent review of party finances, shifting scrutiny to Westminster committees and watchdogs and testing whether public money was accessed or officials will cooperate.

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Overview

  • Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to stealing more than £400,000 from the SNP and remains on remand ahead of his sentencing on June 23.
  • MSPs voted on June 10 to defeat Labour’s call for a Holyrood inquiry and instead approved a Scottish Greens amendment for a broad independent review of party political finances.
  • The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee paused any formal probe, wrote to the Clerk, the Speaker and the Electoral Commission to check for links to public funding, and said it will await Holyrood’s response before deciding next steps.
  • The Electoral Commission says audits show no evidence of misuse of policy development grant funds and the SNP has authorised civil recovery and is co‑operating with prosecutors on proceeds‑of‑crime and tax discussions to try to recoup losses.
  • First Minister John Swinney has not committed to cooperating with a possible Westminster inquiry, a stance that has intensified political tensions and raises the chance of a UK parliamentary probe with stronger powers to compel witnesses and documents.