Scottish Parliament Rejects Targeted Murrell Inquiry, Backs Review of All Party Finances and Donors

The Scottish Parliament rejected a Scottish Labour proposal for an inquiry into Peter Murrell and instead passed a Green motion calling for an independent review of political party finances and the role of wealthy donors. The Green proposal passed with SNP support but is not binding.

Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband and former SNP chief executive, admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party and using the funds to buy goods that included a motorhome and toiletries.

First Minister John Swinney told parliament a Holyrood probe could not provide more answers than the four-year police investigation. He said the SNP was the victim of embezzlement and that there was no need for an inquiry into the Murrell case, while adding there were legitimate issues to explore about the funding of political parties.

SNP minister Jamie Hepburn said a Holyrood inquiry into the Murrell case could not be independent if run by opposition MSPs and would set a very bad precedent.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the case was the greatest political scandal since devolution. He said the public understandably have questions and there must be answers, citing concerns about the use of public funds and the role of the Crown Office, lord advocate, police and Electoral Commission.

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said the Green amendment aided the SNP by muddying the waters.

He said Holyrood had a duty to do the right thing and back an inquiry, adding that if MSPs refuse then Scotland's MPs must act. Reform's Graham Simpson said concerns about the case should not be swept away, adding that criminal liability is one thing and political accountability is another.