Arabic version: تزايد الدعوات لإجراء تحقيق مشترك في فضيحة اختلاس الحزب الوطني الاسكتلندي

Former Labour first minister Jack McConnell has called for a joint inquiry between the UK and Scottish parliaments into Peter Murrell’s financial crimes, who has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the Scottish National Party (SNP). Murrell, the ex-SNP chief executive and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty last week to embezzling the funds over a span of 12 years. According to BBC News, McConnell urged both the Public Accounts Committee at Westminster and the Public Audit Committee in Holyrood to collaborate on the investigation.

The call for a joint inquiry follows Sturgeon’s recent denial of any knowledge regarding Murrell’s actions or financial issues within the party. McConnell, who served as first minister from 2001 to 2007, expressed concerns that separate inquiries could lead to perceptions of bias or cover-ups. He suggested that the probe should explore the relationship between Scotland’s prosecution service and government politicians, as well as whether public funds were misused in the embezzlement.

Opposition Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have raised questions about the actions of Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, who reportedly informed First Minister John Swinney about Murrell’s charges almost a year prior to their public disclosure. Bain defended her actions, stating that such notifications are standard in high-profile cases. However, the practicality of a joint inquiry remains uncertain, as no such collaboration has occurred since the establishment of the devolved Scottish Parliament.

John Swinney has previously dismissed calls for any parliamentary inquiry, asserting that the SNP has already enhanced its governance and that an inquiry would not contribute to the ongoing police investigation. He has also denied any involvement of public funds from the UK Parliament in the embezzlement. Critics, including former SNP officials, have accused the party leadership of ignoring concerns related to its financial management.

The controversy surrounding Murrell’s actions has intensified scrutiny on the SNP, particularly following Sturgeon’s arrest last year during the police investigation into party finances. She was later informed that she was no longer under investigation. Murrell is expected to face sentencing later this month, as the political fallout from this scandal continues to unfold.