Russell Findlay today said that “people want to know why Nicola Sturgeon wasn’t in the dock beside her husband” as he demanded the Lord Advocate publish all information relating to the Peter Murrell case.
At First Minister’s Questions, the Scottish Conservative leader accused John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon of “enabling” the SNP’s former chief executive, who this week admitted embezzling more than £400,000 of party funds.
Findlay said Sturgeon had warned SNP members to stop asking difficult questions, while Swinney claimed the party’s finances were sound.
Under further probing from Findlay, Swinney confirmed that the Crown had sought a confiscation order under proceeds of crime laws to try to recover luxury stolen goods from Murrell and Sturgeon.
Swinney refused to say whether the SNP would pursue a civil claim for compensation against Peter Murrell. This would take priority over any proceeds of crime action.
And he also refused to answer whether the SNP had sought to review the Crown Office’s prosecution decisions.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “The Peter Murrell scandal isn’t just about the SNP’s toxic internal culture.
“This goes to the heart of government and Scotland’s justice system.
“John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon didn’t stop Peter Murrell – they enabled him.
“Sturgeon warned SNP members to stop asking difficult questions and Swinney assured everyone the SNP’s finances were sound.
“Their shield of protection gave Murrell a licence to steal.
“People want to know why Nicola Sturgeon wasn’t in the dock beside her husband.
“John Swinney must back our calls for the Lord Advocate to publish all information relating to this case. After all, he says the SNP is Murrell’s victim.
“The revelation that the Crown Office is seeking a confiscation order under proceeds of crime laws is welcome, but John Swinney failed to answer whether he will be seeking compensation directly from Murrell or whether the SNP sought to review the prosecution decision.”