Salmond asks for probe into allegations over donations

Alex Salmond has referred himself to the independent advisers to the ministerial code over allegations made about SNP donors and official engagements at Bute House.

The First Minister said he had written to Dame Elish Angiolini, one of the advisers, to ask her to investigate whether the Ministerial Code has been breached. It follows reports last week that Mr Salmond had entertained two SNP donors and their wives at Bute House, and invited EuroMillions winners Chris and Colin Weir to tea. SNP ministers are also refusing a request under the Freedom of Information Act to release correspondence between them and Sir Brian Souter, the Stagecoach tycoon who has given the party more than £1 million.

Yesterday, Labour parliamentary business manager Paul Martin accused Mr Salmond of a “cover-up”.