SNP deputy first minister denies Nicola Sturgeon had responsibility in government scandal but says ‘culture allowed to develop’

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has told Sky News a “culture was allowed to develop” at SNP HQ amid a scandal about transparency.

Ms Robison denied Nicola Sturgeon had overall responsibility for the governance scandal – despite her being party leader for eight years.

She said the party needs to “get its house in order” to rebuild trust.

She added: “There are clearly big issues for the party here.”

When asked if it was Ms Sturgeon’s fault, she said: “I’m not sure it’s just with Nicola Sturgeon here – everyone has a role to play in not resolving some of these governance issues.

“A culture has been allowed to develop at headquarters and in terms of the governance of the party. [The culture was] one that needed to be more open and more transparent and people being able to ask questions.

“Humza Yousaf has made it clear that is what he wants to see in terms of a new culture and those new governance arrangements. He acted swiftly to take all that on board and start to make the changes that need to be made.”

Detectives have made arrests of senior SNP figures in recent weeks in a long-running probe examining party finances and funding.

Treasurer Colin Beattie was released without charge on Tuesday after facing a day of police questions.

Mr Yousaf admitted to Sky News that Mr Beattie’s arrest was “not helpful”.

Asked whether he was “surprised” at the news of Mr Beattie’s arrest, the first minister said: “Of course I’m surprised when one of my colleagues is arrested.”

Ms Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell was also questioned as a suspect while the home of the SNP’s former chief executive was raided.

He was later released without charge pending further investigations after an 11-hour detention.

At the same time that he was in police custody, detectives seized a £100,000 motorhome from outside the home of one of Mr Murrell’s elderly relatives.

Read more:
Why it’s likely police will want to interview Nicola Sturgeon in SNP finances probe
First minister Humza Yousaf ‘didn’t know about SNP motorhome until he became party leader

What are police looking into?

Operation Branchform is Police Scotland’s investigation into possible fundraising fraud in the SNP.

Launched in 2021 following seven complaints to police, it is looking into whether £666,953 of money raised since 2017 specifically for a second independence referendum has been improperly spent on other activities.

Police are also looking into a loan of £107,620 made in June 2021 by Mr Murrell, while he was chief executive.

The loan was reported late to the Electoral Commission and two repayments were made later that year by the SNP, but there was £60,000 left outstanding.