SNP Finances Scrutinized Amid Leak Fears

Senior figures within the Scottish National Party (SNP) have come forward with allegations regarding former party treasurer Colin Beattie’s handling of financial documents. Sources claim Beattie, the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, implemented stringent measures to prevent the dissemination of party accounts, raising concerns about transparency.

Numbered Accounts and Restricted Access

According to accounts from several former National Executive Committee (NEC) members, Beattie, who served as treasurer for over 16 years across multiple tenures, would distribute numbered copies of the party’s financial statements at NEC meetings. Crucially, these documents were reportedly not permitted to be taken away for later review. This practice, described as an “obsession with preventing leaks,” has drawn criticism from those who felt it hindered proper financial oversight.

One senior SNP member stated, “Colin handed out numbered copies of the accounts at NEC meetings, and wouldn’t allow anyone to take them away. He was so paranoid about leaks that he numbered every copy and made sure to collect them in again.” The individual added that while questions could be posed during meetings, time was limited, and Beattie would frequently “defer to Peter” (Peter Murrell) when pressed for details, rarely offering independent explanations.

Concerns Over Lack of Scrutiny

Several former NEC members expressed frustration over the perceived lack of in-depth scrutiny of Beattie’s financial management. One former NEC member recalled Beattie stating he was “the legally responsible one if anything ever went wrong.” Another commented, “I think he wanted to appear important but without knowing how to do the job, or without being allowed to do it.” They also noted a lack of personal accountability from Beattie regarding the financial situation under his stewardship.

Former First Minister’s Account

In a recent broadcast interview, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon indicated she was unaware of significant financial anomalies within the party during the period under scrutiny, including substantial expenditures on items such as a luxury campervan. She stated that the party’s national treasurer was responsible for presenting accounts to the NEC and highlighting any matters requiring particular attention. Sturgeon noted that while NEC members would ask questions, any queries were typically handled by Peter Murrell, leaving little opportunity for thorough examination of the accounts.

Political Reactions and Calls for Inquiry

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie has characterized the situation as a “culture of secrecy and cover-up” that permeated the party. She asserted that public trust has been damaged by the ongoing scandal and called for an inquiry into these financial matters.

Scottish Conservatives deputy leader Rachael Hamilton echoed these sentiments, stating that Colin Beattie “cannot escape his role in this epic SNP scandal.” Hamilton suggested Beattie’s actions, coupled with his alleged paranoia, indicated a deliberate effort by senior SNP figures to avoid difficult financial questions. She added that as an MSP, Beattie should “come clean as to why he completely failed to spot Murrell’s thefts.”

Beattie’s Resignation and Continued Silence

Colin Beattie resigned as SNP treasurer in 2023 following his arrest in connection with Operation Branchform. While Police Scotland indicated that Beattie and Nicola Sturgeon would face no further action, Peter Murrell was arrested and charged, later pleading guilty to embezzling £400,000 from the SNP. Following Murrell’s guilty plea, Beattie read a prepared statement to the press at Holyrood but declined to answer follow-up questions. He has reportedly responded with “no comment” to police inquiries and is said to have refused to provide a witness statement to assist in Murrell’s prosecution.

Beattie has been approached for comment regarding these allegations.