Nicola Sturgeon’s husband has agreed to appear before MSPs on Holyrood’s Alex Salmond Inquiry.
Peter Murrell, who is also the SNP chief executive, could be asked about text messages which appeared to show him urging the police to be pressurised over Salmond.
A special Holyrood committee is examining how the Scottish Government botched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Salmond.
The former First Minister pursued a judicial review and it was agreed the Government probe had been unlawful.
The fiasco cost the taxpayer over £500,000 and destroyed the long-standing friendship between Sturgeon and Salmond, whose allies believe he was targeted.
Separately, Salmond was acquitted of sexual offences charges after a criminal trial earlier this year.
Murrell recently attracted headlines after SNP MP Kenny MacAskill said in September he had received an anonymous document about the criminal side of the Salmond case.
The document, which MacAskill handed to the Holyrood committee, showed messages sent by Murrell on the day after Salmond was charged in 2019.
The first message stated: "Totally agree folk should be asking the police questions... report now with the PF on charges which leaves police twiddling their thumbs. So good time to be pressurising them. Would be good to know Met looking at events in London."
The second message stated: "TBH the more fronts he is having to firefight on the better for all complainers. so CPS action would be a good thing."
Murrell confirmed to the committee in writing that he had sent the messages, but admitted he had not expressed himself "well" in the texts.
The CEO, who is the most senior SNP figure other than his wife, also answered questions about internal party communications.
The Inquiry then invited Murrell to provide oral evidence on December 8.
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “I understand he has accepted.”
As well as the texts, Murrell is expected to be asked about meetings Sturgeon had with Salmond at the couple’s home during the Government investigation.
The SNP has been asked for comment.
