Opposition parties are set to exploit Peter Murrell's embezzlement for years, making a parliamentary probe at Holyrood, Westminster, or both seem inevitable. John Swinney's claim that the SNP is a victim does not hold water, as hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money flowed into the party. Governance was woefully insufficient under Nicola Sturgeon's leadership, allowing her husband to go on an unhinged spending spree spanning a decade.
Yes Scotland reported to police over £1.5m anomaly
Yes Scotland, the cross-party campaign group for independence set up in 2012, has been reported to police over alleged anomalies in its accounts. Detectives have received a report that £1.5 million is unaccounted for, according to ex-SNP branch secretary David Henry, who will meet police this week to hand over a dossier. While Yes Scotland was legally separate from the SNP, senior officials held key roles.
Demands for parliamentary investigation intensify
News of the police probe into Yes Scotland's finances will only intensify demands for a parliamentary investigation into SNP finances. Democracy can only function properly when people have confidence that those in power are not profiting from their political influence. There is no question that Murrell exploited his position to enrich himself, and the public wants to know if he was the only one and understand the full impact of his dishonesty on public life.
Impact on independence movement
The idea of independence is based on breaking away from a corrupt Westminster establishment. If there is ever to be a second independence referendum, the SNP must convince the country that there will never be another 'Indy-theft'. The scandal undermines trust in the independence movement and raises questions about governance within the SNP.
