Party funding questions

The SNP had led calls for a police probe into the “cash for honours” row surrounding the last Labour government at Westminster. So it was embarrassing for Alex Salmond to be caught up in a row when the SNP’s biggest donor was nominated by the Scottish Government for a knighthood.

Stagecoach tycoon Sir Brian Souter said he would donate £500,000 to the SNP in February, shortly after the nomination was made. The SNP insists ministers had no role in the process, saying it was overseen by an independent “honours group” of civil servants.

Labour called for more information about SNP donors who have been nominated for honours by the party.