Scottish Labour to force vote on parliamentary inquiry into Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of SNP funds

Scottish Labour has lodged a motion which will force MSPs to vote on whether the Scottish Parliament will hold an inquiry into Peter Murrell’s embezzling of SNP funds.  

The party’s deputy leader, Jackie Baillie, has urged members to “back transparency over cover-up” ahead of tomorrow’s vote.  

John Swinney and other high-profile figures within the SNP have rejected suggestions that there should be a parliamentary inquiry.  

However, Scottish Labour has described the SNP’s position as “untenable” after it was confirmed that HMRC is investigating potential VAT fraud.  

Tomorrow, Labour will lead a debate on the issue of holding an inquiry, arguing it is “a matter of trust and integrity”.  

It is likely the motion will fall, with SNP MSPs unlikely to back the calls and Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer telling LBC yesterday: “He’s [Peter Murrell] going to face the consequences of his actions. There has been a police investigation, he’s pleaded guilty, and he’s now going to be sentenced. 

“Parliament’s job is to deliver the things that people need right now. Our job should be to reduce the cost of childcare, to reduce the cost of transport, and to improve the education system. Parliament’s job is not to give a platform to political parties to launch pseudo-investigations into each other. 

“If there is a need for a further investigation into the SNP, and nobody has put forward any evidence for why a further investigation is needed following the police investigation and what HMRC are looking into, but if there is a need for that, it should be up to the independent Electoral Commission to do it.” 

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's debate, Jackie Baillie said: “Questions are piling up about the circumstances surrounding Peter Murrell’s crime spree and with public money potentially misused, John Swinney’s ‘nothing to see here’ act is becoming increasingly untenable. 

“This is a matter of trust and integrity in politics and public life. 

“If John Swinney has nothing to hide, he should welcome the chance to get answers on this sordid affair – but for some reason he is determined to try and dodge scrutiny. 

“The SNP should have led the way setting up this inquiry, but instead it falls to parliament to demand the truth. 

“Scotland deserves answers and I hope on Wednesday MSPs across the chamber will back transparency over cover-up by voting for Scottish Labour’s motion.”