Oh dear, Nicola! SNP donors ‘demand refund’ as party investigated over missing funds

Nicola Sturgeon criticised by Wootton over pandemic handling

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Following questions over the apparent missing £666,953 in independence funding, SNP donors have reportedly demanded refunds from the party. Such is the outrage from party supporters, Peter Murrell, Ms Sturgeon’s husband and chief executive officer of the SNP has received messages demanding a full refund, reports claim. According to the Private Eye, some supporters have received emails informing them: “The National Treasurer has approved your refund and a bank transfer will be processed today.”

The fund had been raised online and was earmarked for a future independence campaign.

The donations had been received through crowdfunding campaigns between 2017 and 2021.

Police Scotland has now launched a formal investigation into the SNP’s finances after receiving complaints over how the funds were used.

A spokesman said: “Police Scotland has now received seven complaints in relation to donations that were made to the Scottish National Party.

“After assessment and consultation with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, we will now carry out an investigation.

“Inquiries are continuing and anyone who has any information which may assist with this investigation is asked to contact police.”

A recent statement found the party had just £97,000 in its bank account.

Colin Beattie, Treasurer of the party, admitted the funds had been earmarked for an independence campaign.

JUST IN: Brexit LIVE: EU fury erupts as VDL and Macron’s ally reject UK offer

He said: “We will ensure that an amount equivalent to the sums raised from these appeals will go directly to our work to secure a referendum and win independence.

“We are taking a very strict approach to ensure that this income supports expenditure directly related to the campaign for independence.”

Ms Sturgeon insisted she had no concerns over the party’s finances.

She also claimed the party has no obligation to keep independence funds in separate accounts.

DON’T MISS
Boris ignites furious SNP row with radical Brexit plan [Latest]
Sturgeon warned little interest in Indyref2 ‘get on with our lives [Update]
SNP’s misleading Covid graphic reported to UK Statistics Authority [Insight]

The First Minister added: “Every penny we raise to support the campaign for independence will be spent on the campaign for independence.”

Earlier this year, three members of the party’s finance and audit committee resigned over the issue.

SNP MP Douglas Chapman also stood down from his position amid accusations the party blocked attempts to see internal financial information.

Joanna Cherry also resigned from the party’s national executive committee over transparency.

She was elected to the SNP’s governing body last year but resigned on May 31 citing multiple factors.

She said: “A number of factors have prevented me from fulfilling the mandate party members gave me to improve transparency & scrutiny & to uphold the party’s constitution.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this stage.”

Source: Read Full Article