Committee publication · Correspondence · 9 July 2026
Correspondence to the Convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, Scottish Parliament, regarding embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party, dated 1 July 2026
Summary
The Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee writes to the Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee proposing joint parliamentary scrutiny of issues arising from the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party. The letter notes that the criminal investigation is complete but broader issues merit examination, spanning both reserved and devolved matters, and suggests either Scottish Parliament-led inquiry or coordinated cross-parliament working.
Key findings
- Criminal investigation and prosecution in the SNP embezzlement case has established culpability, but wider issues arising from it may warrant parliamentary scrutiny.
- Issues raised span reserved (UK Parliament), devolved (Scottish Parliament), and overlapping jurisdictions, making joint or coordinated inquiry potentially more comprehensive.
- Scottish Affairs Committee preference is for Scottish Parliament to lead scrutiny; in absence of such inquiry, proposes joint or co-ordinated work between committees.
- Chair has written similarly to Convenors of Public Audit, and Finance and Public Administration Committees; open to joint work involving multiple Holyrood committees.
- Requests initial response by 14 July 2026 and substantive response by 7 September 2026, following parliamentary recesses.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Patricia Ferguson MP, Jenni Minto MSP, Scottish Affairs Committee, Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, Scottish National Party, Scottish Parliament
Notable line
“… both institutions are likely to have an overlapping interest in the issues arising from this case.”
Key Quotes
“Whilst the police investigation and subsequent prosecution established criminal culpability in this case, some of the wider issues raised may merit examination.”
“… the preference of the Scottish Affairs Committee would be for Holyrood to lead scrutiny on this case. However, in the absence of any such inquiry, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss whether there could be scope for joint or co-ordinated work between our Committees.”
“Although joint activity between committees of the UK and Scottish Parliaments is not common, there is precedent for it in both Parliaments, and I am confident any procedural obstacles could be overcome.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗