First Minister John Swinney has rejected claims that SNP whistleblowers were bullied by Nicola Sturgeon and other senior party figures, a stance that has drawn further criticism. Swinney repeatedly declined to issue a direct apology to Allison Graham and Cynthia Guthrie, who alleged they felt bullied while attempting to raise concerns about the Scottish National Party's accounts.
Whistleblowers Respond to Swinney's Denial
Cynthia Guthrie, one of the whistleblowers, stated that Swinney's response was unsurprising and indicated that the party had "learned nothing and they have not changed." She described the situation as "unsustainable" and urged Swinney to "step up to the plate, grow some and start leading the country." Guthrie, along with Alison Graham, also criticized Swinney and Sturgeon for allegedly "enabling" former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell's embezzlement of over £400,000 from the party, and for previously denying that funds were missing.
Graham recounted an experience where she felt "bullied in the playground" after raising concerns, describing an interaction with Sturgeon where she felt her points were demeaned. "Nicola came in very clearly to shut it down. She was using her positional authority to demean what I said," Graham stated. Both whistleblowers have called for a KC-led inquiry into the SNP's financial matters.
Scrutiny Over SNP Finances and Governance
The controversy intensified as Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay highlighted the whistleblowers' concerns during First Minister's Questions. Findlay accused Swinney of being "the king of the SNP cover-up" and questioned his refusal to support a full inquiry into the Murrell scandal, which has seen the former chief executive jailed for embezzling more than £400,000.
In response to the bullying allegations, Swinney stated he had "apologised to members of the Scottish National Party for the events that have effected the party’s finances and I reiterate those today." However, he refused to apologize directly to Graham and Guthrie, reiterating only his apology to "all party members." When asked if he believed Sturgeon or other senior figures were bullies, Swinney responded, "No, I don’t."
Graham and Guthrie had served on the SNP's finance and audit committee in 2021. Upon their resignation, they cited "obvious procrastination" from Murrell, contradictory information, and an inability to provide "scrutiny and governance." They also raised concerns about Kirsten Oswald, who was the SNP's business convener at the time, for allegedly failing to properly record their resignation statement. Swinney maintained that the SNP has "strong governance in place" and has addressed issues within the party's finances.