Exclusive:Vast majority of Westminster committee members back SNP embezzlement probe

Peter Murrell (Picture: Andy Buchanan/pool) | Getty Images

The majority of the members of the Scottish Affairs Committee have said it should hold a probe into Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of SNP funds.

Eight of the 11 members now publicly back an inquiry - if Holyrood fails to hold one.

Labour MPs Lillian Jones, Kirsteen Sullivan, Maureen Burke, and Tory Jack Rankin have come out in support of an investigation.

SNP First Minister John Swinney has so far rejected calls for the Scottish Parliament to hold an investigation into Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband.

Windsor MP Mr Rankin said: “The scale of the crimes here, spanning more than a decade, and the fact that the SNP have been governing Scotland for many years, means its internal governance is not simply an internal metal matter. It is of the most serious public interest.

“Clearly, questions must also be asked of the ex-first minister.

“[Her comment that] ‘I don't like cooking’ ranks alongside Dominic Cummings’ saying ‘the beaches are closed’ [when he broke covid rules].

“This must be looked into, and it can't be the SNP whitewashing its own homework.

“I do urge the Scots Affairs Select Committee to have an investigation into this at the soonest possible moment.”

He added: “Just imagine what the SNP would be saying if this were Boris Johnson’s wife.”

Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Ms Sullivan said: “With every passing day there are more questions that need answers.

“The issues should primarily be looked at in Holyrood but if it becomes clear there are concerns as to how any funding arising from the UK Parliament has been used then that could be a matter for a Westminster parliamentary committee and I would support such an inquiry.”

Kilmarnock and Loudon MP Ms Jones said: “We need to make sure it falls within the committee's remit.

“Obviously there were public funds given to the SNP.

“Certainly, if the Scottish Affairs Committee has the right to have the investigation, I will be supporting that.”

Glasgow North East MP Ms Burke also confirmed that she backs a probe.

The four join Lib Dems Susan Murray and Angus MacDonald, Labour’s Douglas McAllister and Conservative Harriet Cross in calling for an inquiry.

Committee chair and Labour MP Patricia Ferguson is still to say publicly whether she would like an inquiry.

SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan - who also sits on the committee - is also yet to comment.

Labour MP Elaine Stewart is also yet to comment - but she will soon leave the committee as she was recently made a UK Government aide.

The Scottish Affairs Committee is supposed to scrutinise the work of the UK Government.

But it has been suggested that an inquiry into the SNP could take place because the party has received public funds.

The committee usually makes a unanimous decision when deciding what subjects to focus on in an inquiry.

It is unclear if it would hold an inquiry if there was a small minority of members against it.

Mr Murrell appeared in court on Monday and admitted embezzling a total of £400,310.65 from the SNP between August 2010 and October 2022.