JOHN Swinney has revealed how much SNP members have donated since Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,000 from the party.
In an exclusive op-ed for The National, the First Minister described the actions of the SNP former chief executive as a “gross betrayal of trust”.
He added: “I do not think I can adequately convey the extent of the hurt, anger and betrayal that I and every member of my party feels at his actions.”
Swinney also confirmed that the SNP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has agreed unanimously to instruct solicitors to begin action in court to recover the embezzled money and begin civil action against Murrell.
He is due to return to the High Court in Edinburgh to face sentencing on June 23.
Although, it is understood by The Herald that his legal team will offer a plea deal hoping to secure a less severe sentence by offering the repayment of the embezzled sum.
The SNP leader also thanked members who have donated to the party since Murrell’s guilty plea.
He has revealed to The National that the party – as of yesterday – has received £25,000 in just over a week.
“Since last Monday, we have seen a significant increase in the donations received from party members ,” Swinney said.
“Indeed, as of yesterday, we raised £25,000 in just over a week – far beyond the level we would ordinarily see outwith an election period.”
He added: “I am so incredibly grateful for that support – and it is the measure of a party that is focused resolutely on the ultimate goal which we share. Every penny that the SNP raises will be spent on our efforts to secure our independence.”
The First Minister also sought to reassure members about the “improved processes” within the party and claimed that the “most robust governance arrangements possible” are now in place.
“We have made significant improvements in our financial procedures over the last few years,” he said.
“Among them are ensuring that invoice payments are now seen by three people before any payment is made – the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer and the National Treasurer.”
Swinney added: “Monthly accounts are provided to the National Treasurer, the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer, with the National Treasurer reporting on them to the next meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee.
“And our accountants carry out monthly checks on all financial transactions and reconciliations in our accounting software to ensure accuracy and accountability.”
Swinney said that the changes are because he takes the “good financial management of the SNP incredibly seriously”.
He went on: “I am absolutely confident that we have the highest standards of financial governance in place with all appropriate checks and balances in place.
“I have also ensured we have an open and transparent culture within the SNP through policy debates on our strategy and good internal scrutiny at National Council and at the National Executive Committee. These forums are crucial to ensure our Members’ voices are heard.”
The SNP leader then said he gives party members “my assurance” that “every penny we raise” will go towards securing Scottish independence.
“And as Scotland’s First Minister, I want to make it clear that I intend to deliver on that goal – and secure the fresh start that Scotland so desperately needs,” he added.
“And despite everything that the British establishment and Unionist parties have thrown at us – polls show majority support for independence. And the events of the last few weeks have only strengthened my resolve to deliver.”
