Commons Officials Confirm No Concerns Over Murrell's Misuse of Public Funds
House of Commons officials have indicated they have no reason to believe Peter Murrell stole taxpayer money. Clerk of the House Tom Goldsmith stated he had not received any concerns about the former SNP chief executive taking short money—a type of public funding given to opposition parties at Westminster.
In his response to MPs, Goldsmith suggested that Commons authorities had no grounds to believe Murrell had stolen public money, adding that the cash is provided to the Westminster group, not to the main party.
Scottish Affairs Committee Considers Inquiry
The Scottish Affairs Committee, which is considering launching an inquiry into Murrell's embezzlement, said it would write to the "relevant" Holyrood committees to collaborate on the matter. Committee chairwoman Patricia Ferguson wrote to the Electoral Commission and the Clerk of the House of Commons.
The Scottish Parliament previously voted against a Holyrood inquiry into the SNP embezzler, with MSPs opting instead for an inquiry into all party finances.
No Substantial Concerns Over Funding Misuse
In his letter, Goldsmith also said Commons authorities had not received any "substantial concerns" over the misuse of the funding. Committee chairwoman, Labour MP Patricia Ferguson, wrote to Westminster officials following Murrell's conviction for embezzling more than £400,000 of party funds, for which he received a sentence of five years and three months.
The Clerk wrote: "I can confirm that, until the recent events which have prompted your inquiry, no concerns had been raised with me. Since the investigation into, and trial of, Peter Murrell, the House authorities have received a number of non-specific media enquiries on this issue, as well as your letter. The relevant colleagues I have consulted are not aware of other substantial concerns having been raised in recent years. In light of that, I have no reason to believe there are systemic weaknesses with the system."
He noted that all parties in receipt of short money must provide a certificate from an independent auditor to "provide assurance that all expenses under the scheme were incurred in support of parliamentary business".
Electoral Commission Finds No Evidence of Misuse
Electoral Commission chairman John Pullinger also told MPs the regulator found "no evidence" that grants paid to the SNP had been misused. Pullinger said independently audited reports submitted by the party showed the funding had been spent on eligible activities, "mostly staff salaries".
However, he said the Commission was working with the SNP to review past accounts, declarations and disclosures following Murrell's conviction and would "take appropriate action" if evidence of misuse emerged.
