Sarwar Condemns Swinney's 'Idiotic' Remarks on Labour Donations
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has launched a scathing attack on First Minister John Swinney, labelling his criticism of Labour donations as "idiotic". The fiery exchange comes amid escalating tensions over political funding and ongoing scandals within both parties.
SNP Accused of Hypocrisy Over Financial Scrutiny
Mr Sarwar asserted that the Scottish National Party occupies precarious moral ground when questioning other parties' financial affairs. "I do think it's idiotic of the SNP to be attacking other political parties about donations," declared the Labour leader during a press engagement in Clydebank.
The controversy centres on Scottish Labour accepting approximately £100,000 from the think tank Labour Together in 2024. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has demanded these funds be returned, characterising the money as "murky".
Think Tank Investigation and Murrell Charges
Labour Together, which played a role in Sir Keir Starmer's leadership campaign, reportedly commissioned an investigation into a journalist's background, including details about Jewish beliefs. Labour minister Josh Simons, formerly heading the group, acknowledged investigators "gone beyond" their mandate.
Simultaneously, details have emerged regarding charges against Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive and ex-husband of Nicola Sturgeon. Prosecutors allege Murrell embezzled £459,000 from party funds, purportedly spending on luxury items including a motorhome and vehicles.
Mr Sarwar emphasised: "When I heard John Swinney talking about dodgy organisations, I thought that was very, very brave territory indeed."
Sarwar Defends Labour Position
The Scottish Labour leader defended a party spokesman who previously called Culture Secretary Robertson an "idiot", while maintaining that Prime Minister Keir Starmer acted appropriately by ordering an investigation into Labour Together.
"I think it's a bit rich for the SNP to be talking about the finances and the donations of any other political party," Sarwar told reporters, highlighting what he perceives as SNP hypocrisy given their own financial controversies.
SNP Counterattack and Election Positioning
SNP deputy Westminster leader Pete Wishart responded sharply, stating that while Sarwar may "throw insults at the SNP", serious questions remain about Labour's judgment. Wishart specifically referenced Sarwar's connections to Peter Mandelson and the Labour Together donations.
With the Scottish election approaching on May 7, Sarwar positioned himself as the alternative to what he termed a "useless, dishonest and failing SNP government". He accused the nationalists of avoiding discussion of their governance record.
The escalating war of words underscores deepening divisions in Scottish politics as both major parties grapple with financial controversies while positioning for electoral advantage.
