John Swinney: SNP may have been ‘alleged victim of embezzlement’

SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney has said it is clear his party may have been the “alleged victim of embezzlement” following the appearance of the former chief executive in court.

Peter Murrell, 60, made no plea in relation to a single charge of embezzlement at a private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie have been cleared as part of the Operation Branchform inquiry into the party’s finances.

Giving his reaction to reporters, Swinney said he was “relieved” that the investigation had moved to the next stage.

He said: “There are live proceedings underway in this case and, even for me as first minister, there’s a limit to what I can say.

“But what’s clear is that the Scottish National Party may have been the alleged victim of embezzlement, and that issue needs to be addressed by the courts.

“I’m relieved that the substance of the investigation has now moved on, and that point is clear to members of the public. It’s obviously been a very difficult period for Nicola Sturgeon and Colin Beattie, and they will be relieved that the courts are taking no proceedings and I share that relief.”