Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch Slams SNP's Financial Management

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a sharp critique of the Scottish National Party (SNP), asserting that the party cannot be trusted with Scotland's finances, citing a series of alleged financial scandals.

In a statement following the conclusion of the SNP conference, Badenoch stated, "The SNP are not people who should be left alone without anybody watching what they’re doing." She expressed concerns that SNP ministers are "unable to use public money judiciously," pointing to controversies such as the alleged embezzlement of funds by former SNP official Peter Murrell, public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad's reported use of taxpayer money for a personal artist, and the SNP's plans to establish numerous international "embassies."

Badenoch made these remarks during a two-day visit to Scotland, where she emphasized the need for increased scrutiny of the SNP's financial practices. "[The SNP] want to talk endlessly about breaking the United Kingdom up. They don’t want to show how they’re improving education, how they’re improving health, what they’re doing on public services, getting people’s living standards up. They have no answers," she said.

She specifically criticized Transport minister Stephen Flynn and Hannah Mary Goodlad, describing their actions as examples of "gross unseriousness." Badenoch stated that a finance minister unable to manage finances within her own office would be incapable of managing Scotland's finances effectively. She also commended her Scottish Conservative colleagues for highlighting alleged failures in SNP spending, noting that their reduced presence in Holyrood was a loss to accountability efforts.

Referring to the party's proposal to open more than 30 new "embassies" globally, Badenoch suggested these outposts offer no tangible benefit to Scottish citizens and are merely opportunities for SNP politicians. "There is no point. It’s for jollies. These embassies are not helping the Scottish people. They are helping SNP politicians go on jollies," she stated.

Badenoch also commented on Transport minister Stephen Flynn's performance, noting a disconnect between his rhetoric and his ability to manage responsibilities. "Stephen Flynn talks a good game, but this is the difference between being a noise maker, and being ready to actually run things, and to take responsibility for things," she observed. She added that Flynn and Goodlad "would not be my ministers" if they were part of her party.

In a broader critique, Badenoch addressed remarks by Andy Burnham, who suggested Scotland's path to another constitutional referendum was similar to that of Northern Ireland. Badenoch disagreed with Burnham's comments, stating, "Yes I think he has. We have seen that Andy Burnham has ‘foot in mouth’ syndrome - he is repeatedly having to clean up messes that he has made." She also voiced concerns about the Prime Minister speaking "very loosely" and having to correct the record in parliament. Badenoch reiterated her stance that the referendums on both Brexit and Scottish independence have settled the constitutional questions, emphasizing the importance of "loser's consent" in a democracy and the need to focus on solving national problems rather than pursuing constitutional debates.

Badenoch was accompanied on her visit by shadow Scottish Secretary Harriet Cross. She stated her frequent visits to Scotland stem from a passion for the country and its place within the United Kingdom, aiming to assure Scottish people that "we care very much about Scotland."

An SNP spokesperson responded to Badenoch's criticism by noting her association with Liz Truss's "disastrous mini-budget," suggesting her views on financial management should not be taken seriously.