John Swinney Rejects Calls for Parliamentary Inquiry
John Swinney has declined demands for a Holyrood inquiry into former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who admitted this week to embezzling over £400,000 from the party.
Murrell, the estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, faces a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty on Monday.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged Swinney to support a parliamentary investigation during the inaugural First Minister's Questions following the election.
However, the SNP leader stated he did not consider an inquiry necessary after a five-year "forensic" police investigation.
Murrell served as SNP chief executive from 2001 until 2023 and confessed to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period.
The funds were spent on a motorhome, vehicles, and numerous other items including jewellery and luxury goods, some of which were gifted to Sturgeon.
Murrell is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Sturgeon was arrested and released without charge in June 2023 but was later informed by police that she was no longer under investigation.
Sarwar advocated for a Holyrood inquiry modeled on the probe into the Scottish government's mishandling of sexual harassment complaints against Alex Salmond, to examine the SNP's culture of "cover-up and secrecy."
He accused Swinney of contributing to "building, enabling and defending" that culture.
Sarwar addressed MSPs:
"Yes, Peter Murrell is responsible for his crimes, but secrecy and cover-up go far beyond one individual or one case.
At its heart is an SNP culture where secrecy became normal, dissent dangerous, and people learnt that speaking out carried a heavy price, all while those at the top of the SNP machine operated without scrutiny."
He emphasized that an inquiry would "look at the culture, the process of decision-making, and lessons for the future."
The Labour MSP added:
"It's to answer the many questions that the public have."
In response, Swinney rejected the proposal, accusing Sarwar of "victim blaming."
He told parliament:
"I do not think there is anything a parliamentary inquiry can add to a five-year forensic police investigation that has resulted in the successful prosecution of an individual and his guilty plea."
The first minister reiterated his condemnation of Murrell's actions and expressed that he was "appalled" by the conduct.
He assured MSPs that the government would focus on "priorities of the people," including reducing NHS waiting lists, expanding funded childcare, and supporting first-time homebuyers.
Conservative Criticism and Calls for Transparency
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay accused Swinney and Sturgeon of "enabling" Murrell.
He stated in parliament:
"Sturgeon warned SNP members to stop asking difficult questions, and John Swinney assured everyone that the SNP's finances were sound.
Their shield of protection gave Murrell a licence to steal, and people want to know why Nicola Sturgeon was not in the dock beside her husband."
Findlay called for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to disclose its reasoning behind prosecution decisions in the case.
The Scottish Tory leader also referenced reports suggesting that taxpayer funds from the Electoral Commission—which allocates policy development money to parties—may have been embezzled by Murrell.
This has sparked speculation about a possible Westminster-led inquiry into Murrell's use of taxpayer funds.
'Respect for the Judicial System'
Swinney stated that "the highest standards" were applied during the "deep and forensic criminal investigation" into Murrell, noting that the Crown Office does not reveal the rationale behind its decisions.
He told MSPs:
"If Mr Findlay had a shred of decency about him, he would express his respect for the judicial system in Scotland."
The first minister denied that any public funds had been misused by Murrell, explaining that Electoral Commission grants are only released after the SNP submits an "audited report" detailing how the funds will be spent.
Nicola Sturgeon's Statement and Public Appearance
Sturgeon, who resigned as first minister in March 2023 and stepped down from parliament at this month's election, issued a statement through her lawyers on Monday.
She said:
"I want to reiterate that I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds."
The former first minister stated she was unaware of many purchases, including the campervan, until they were revealed during the police investigation.
She added:
"In respect of any items I was aware of Peter having purchased, I had no reason to doubt that he had used his own money."
Sturgeon is expected to make her first public appearance since Murrell's guilty plea at a book event in Ireland later this week.
She announced last year that the couple were separating after more than 20 years of marriage.
