SNP auditors resign as Nicola Sturgeon’s husband faces finance probe
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The accounting firm used by the SNP has resigned just days after police arrested the party’s former chief executive as part of an investigation into the party’s finances.
Johnston Carmichael had spent a decade auditing the party’s finances.
An SNP spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Johnston Carmichael will not be providing audit services to the SNP this year.
“The National Treasurer is undertaking a tendering process for alternative provision, and we have advised the Electoral Commission of that position”.
It is understood the firm resigned after following a review of their client portfolio and current resources and commitments.
Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Mr Murrell has been released without charge pending further investigation, according to Police Scotland.
He spent almost 12 hours in custody following his arrest in connection with an investigation into the party’s finances on Wednesday.
Police Scotland has been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
It is understood there have been complaints the ringfenced cash has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.
A blue tent was set up in the front garden of the house belonging to Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon in Glasgow, with police taping the area off.
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In the afternoon officers could be seen in the back garden, one of whom was carrying two spades, although it is unclear why.
The officers were seen opening a small shed and a storage box, while a police photographer was seen documenting the search.
Police were also seen removing large green boxes from the SNP’s Edinburgh headquarters and stacking them into vans.
The investigation comes just a week after Humza Yousaf was legally sworn in as Scotland’s sixth first minister – replacing Ms Sturgeon after her shock resignation in February.
In one of her last interviews, the former SNP leader told Sky News the ongoing probe – and the pressure on her and her husband as a result – did not play a part in her departure.
She also said she had “not heard” whether her husband had been asked to talk to detectives.
Mr Murrell hasn’t been seen in public since he sensationally quit his senior role last month following a damaging secrecy row over party membership numbers.
