Westminster committee to probe party finances – Daily Business

A Westminster committee of Scottish MPs is expected to delve into Peter Murrell’s embezzlement case after confirming it will investigate the funding and governance of political parties.

The Scottish Affairs Committee said it will look into the Electoral Commission’s oversight of party finances and will also consider the case for and against splitting the role of the Lord Advocate in Scotland.

Matters arising from the Murrell affair are likely to be raised, along with questions of potential political interference in the case.

Peter Murrell was married to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and, following a police inquiry named Operation Branchform, was jailed after he admitted stealing more than £400,000 from the SNP between 2010 and 2022.

The SNP and Greens voted down calls for an inquiry at Holyrood, but pressure mounted for Westminster to take on an investigation.

The Scottish Affairs Committee is dominated by Labour MPs and has just one SNP member, David Doogan. It can summon witnesses and order the disclosure of evidence. It is possible that Ms Sturgeon, John Swinney and other senior SNP figures will be called to give evidence.

Committee chair Patricia Ferguson said: “The role of the Lord Advocate is unique, combining responsibilities as both the Scottish Government’s chief legal adviser and the head of Scotland’s prosecution service.

“The handling of Operation Branchform has once again brought to the fore the challenges this dual role can present. It’s right that the appropriateness of the Lord Advocate’s dual role is properly considered, and we’ll explore the of the advantages and disadvantages of the current arrangement, and possible options for reform.  

“Alongside this, we’ll open an inquiry examining the Electoral Commission’s oversight of the funding and governance of political parties in Scotland, and the policies, processes and safeguards associated with the distribution of Short Money [the annual payment to opposition parties, helping them to cover costs.]

“Transparency and accountability are fundamental to our democratic institutions, and we look forward to gathering evidence on whether our current systems are working effectively.

“We will undertake this work alone, following confirmation from relevant Holyrood committees that they do not wish to work jointly with us on these important issues, which interact with devolved competence.”