The Scottish Affairs Committee (SAC) is scheduled to discuss whether to initiate its own inquiry into the fallout from the embezzlement of over £400,000 by Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The decision comes after three Scottish Parliament committees refused a request for joint work on the issue. The Labour-led SAC, which includes members from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and SNP parties, will deliberate on proceeding with its own investigation.
Dame Jackie Baillie, acting leader of Scottish Labour, stated that while Holyrood was the preferred body to lead an inquiry into the lessons learned from Operation Branchform, the reluctance of John Swinney and SNP MSPs to allow public answers is concerning. She added that if obstruction continues, the Scottish Affairs Committee would pursue the matter, asserting that a "culture of secrecy and cover-up has festered for too long."
Kemi Badenoch had previously accused the SNP of attempting a cover-up and advocated for a Westminster inquiry if Holyrood did not act. Andrew Bowie, a Conservative MP and senior member of Badenoch’s Shadow Cabinet, criticized the SNP for allegedly obstructing an inquiry and suggested that Murrell's actions were enabled by ignoring whistleblowers. Bowie believes the SAC must proceed to provide answers to the public.
An investigation by the SAC could examine the involvement of public money and consider the implications for institutions such as the Crown Office, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Government.
Patricia Ferguson, chair of the SAC, confirmed the committee would review the responses from the Holyrood committees. The MPs may hold a private debate on launching the inquiry.
The SNP has stated that the issue of an inquiry has already been decided by the Scottish Parliament, with a spokesperson emphasizing that Police Scotland's investigation uncovered Murrell's criminal actions and identified the SNP as the victim of embezzlement.