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Police Scotland is currently assessing a fraud allegation relating to the SNP accounts to see if an investigation is required. The allegations made by two whistleblowers claim that £600,000, which has been ring-fenced for holding a second independence referendum, is missing from the party’s accounts.
Members have also raised concerns about donating to the fund after members of the Finance and Audit Committee refused to be shown the party’s accounts by chief executive Peter Murrell.
Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney have denied the claims with Ms Sturgeon, adding: “Money hasn’t gone missing. All money goes through the SNP accounts independently and fully audited.”
But the First Minister, Mr Murrell and new party treasurer will gather with other senior SNP members for the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting tomorrow.
Questions are expected to be fired at MSP Colin Beatie who was appointed last night as the party’s treasurer following the resignation of Douglas Chapman.
Mr Chapman, the MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, resigned as national treasurer of the party last month after taking on the role last year.
Mr Chapman claimed he was not given enough information to do the job.
Joanna Cherry MP also resigned from the National Executive Committee on Monday just days after Douglas Chapman along with three other senior officials.
An SNP source claims: “Members are getting extremely concerned and want clear and transparent answers.
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“So imagine my surprise when I have seen unfair and less than transparent and honesty around party funds and campaign funding?”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We continue to assess a complaint of alleged financial irregularity.
“During this initial work, further information has been received which also requires to be assessed to determine if an investigation is required.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “We will spend £600,000 this year on preparations for a second independence referendum.
“We are grateful to our thousands of donors who have made this vital work possible.
“Every penny raised to support the campaign for independence will be spent on the campaign for independence.
“A tiny number of individuals, no longer associated with the SNP, have requested refunds.
“These were dealt with. No SNP member has requested a refund.”
The spokesman stressed: “Delivering transparency for our members and donors is of paramount importance to us.
“However, we will robustly challenge any allegations from political opponents that seek to cast doubt on the integrity of the SNP’s finances.”
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