Police in Scotland have seized a luxury campervan as part of an investigation into financial irregularities within the Scottish National Party (SNP). The high-end vehicle, worth around £50,000, had reportedly been used for party events and was leased by a former staff member. The probe focuses on a number of financial transactions, including the use of SNP funds to pay for the lease and maintenance of the campervan. This latest development has once again put a spotlight on the SNP’s finances, with critics calling for greater transparency and accountability from the party.
Police are reportedly investigating the finances of the Scottish National Party (SNP), with the arrest of former SNP chief executive, Peter Murrell, and search warrants executed at the homes of Murrell and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The investigation relates to approximately £600,000 ($786,000) earmarked for a campaign promoting Scottish independence. It has been described as the SNP’s biggest crisis in 50 years. Meanwhile, the SNP’s auditor of 11 years, Johnston Carmichael, has resigned. The party’s treasurer is now seeking another auditor to comply with Electoral Commission rules.
The campervan at the centre of the latest investigation was identified as a Niesmann + Bischoff motorhome. The model has a value of around £110,000. The police reportedly seized the vehicle from a house in Fife. No further details about the vehicle’s connection to the investigation have been given.
Speaking publicly for the first time since Murrell’s arrest, Sturgeon addressed reporters outside her home. She acknowledged that the past few days had been “obviously difficult” and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. Sturgeon said that Murrell, who has been released pending further investigation, was “not able to say anything” while the inquiry continues.
Police Scotland officers also searched the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh and removed boxes of items. The ongoing investigation could have serious implications for the SNP and Sturgeon’s leadership. The First Minister has consistently advocated for Scottish independence and has hinted that a second independence referendum could be held as early as next year.
The SNP’s finances have previously come under scrutiny, with the party receiving criticism in 2019 after donations made by former Celtic football club manager, Dermot Desmond, to the SNP’s treasurer, Colin Beattie, were not recorded on the party’s donation register. The SNP was subsequently fined £4,000 by the Electoral Commission. The SNP has also been criticised for accepting donations from Ian Suttie, whose companies reportedly paid executives less than the minimum wage.
The latest investigation may be the most damaging to date. The SNP has been in power in Scotland since 2007, and the party’s elected representatives have played a key role in Westminster over the past few years. With the Brexit process still ongoing, and the possibility of a second independence referendum looming, any instability within the SNP could have implications far beyond Scotland’s borders. The party has already seen a drop in its poll ratings in recent months.
The investigation is ongoing and it is unclear at this stage what its final impact will be. However, it is likely to remain a major news story in Scotland and the UK over the coming weeks and months.
