A powerful Westminster committee is to urge the Scottish Parliament to consider working on a joint investigation into the Peter Murrell scandal, which saw the former SNP chief executive jailed for embezzling over £400,000 from his party.
The Scottish Affairs Committee has agreed to ask relevant committees in the Scottish Parliament to explore the potential for 'joint working' on the aftermath of the case. Such a probe could examine issues including whether any public money was involved and the implications for key institutions like the Crown Office, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Government.
However, some Conservative MPs are pressing the Westminster committee to launch its own inquiry without delay, rather than await a response from Holyrood. Tory MP Andrew Bowie, the Shadow Scottish Secretary, stated that the Scottish Affairs Committee should proceed with its own investigation to ensure the public receives answers regarding the Murrell scandal and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's involvement.
First Minister John Swinney has previously rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry, asserting that the case has a 'very clear criminal justice conclusion.' SNP and Green MSPs had previously united to defeat proposals for a Scottish Parliament inquiry into the scandal.
The Scottish Affairs Committee also released correspondence indicating that the SNP received £8.2 million in 'short money' between 2009 and 2022. While no concerns about misuse of public funds were raised until recently, the clerk of the House of Commons noted a number of non-specific media inquiries on the issue following developments in the Murrell case.
The Electoral Commission informed the committee that the SNP received £2.2 million in policy development grants between 2010 and 2022, with no 'evidence of misuse' found in independently audited reports submitted by the party. These funds were reportedly spent on eligible activities, primarily staff salaries. The Commission is currently reviewing past accounts with the SNP and will take appropriate action if evidence of misuse emerges.
Separately, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the SNP of feigning ignorance regarding Peter Murrell's embezzlement. During Prime Minister's Questions, he criticized the party for blocking an inquiry in the Scottish Parliament while claiming they were unaware of the criminal actions of their chief executive.
An SNP spokesperson stated that the party was the victim of embezzlement, with the actions of Peter Murrell uncovered through a complex police investigation.