SNP finances under scrutiny as Cherry accuses Sturgeon of oversight amid Murrell embezzlement

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell admitted embezzling about £400,000 from the SNP, prompting calls for an independent inquiry into party finances. Joanna Cherry accused Nicola Sturgeon of a remarkable lack of curiosity about governance, saying attempts to scrutinize funds were frustrated and that concerns raised in 2019 about a ring-fenced referendum fund were not properly addressed. Sturgeon says she had no knowledge of Murrell’s crimes, while SNP leaders acknowledged the breach of trust and pledged accountability.