Humza Yousaf insists that the SNP will fully cooperate with the police

The First Minister said officers searching the party’s Edinburgh headquarters “will not be obstructed in any manner, form or form and terms of their investigations”.

CONTINUE READING: Peter Murrell arrested in SNP party money investigation

Speaking at the New Gorbals Health Center in Glasgow, he told Global Radio: “As you will understand I cannot comment on a live police investigation but what I can say and have absolute reassurance is that the SNP has been fully cooperating with this police investigation and will continue to do so.

“The party agreed at my first NEC as party leader that we would order a review of the party’s leadership and transparency with some outside input. As such, we will be announcing the full details on this in the coming weeks.”

When asked when he was first made aware of Mr Murrell’s arrest, the SNP leader said it was Wednesday morning “after the event”.

“I think that’s really important for me to emphasize,” he added. “So obviously I’m following it just like everyone else.

“But as I keep saying, the party will cooperate fully as has been reported, for example we know the police are at party headquarters and of course they will not be hindered in any way or form in relation to their investigations.”

CONTINUE READING: Police search Nicola Sturgeon’s home when Peter Murrell is arrested

The First Minister admitted that the situation for the SNP was “not great”.

“I think the sooner we come to a conclusion on this police investigation the better, but it is of course up to the police to investigate at their own discretion and in the manner they see fit and appropriate at the given time, so will.” we do sure, we cooperate fully.

“What I can do as the new SNP leader, as someone who hasn’t been involved in party finances in the past, is hopefully bring that new leadership in and I think the review that I’ve been talking about and NEC have governance and Transparency agreed with no external input will be key.”

He later told the PA: “People will have questions, there will be some concerns. Our party membership will also have concerns.

“What I can commit to as party leader is that we want to be absolutely transparent.”

The probe into the SNP’s finances, known as Operation Branchform, was launched in July 2021 following a complaint from former SNP council candidate and pro-independence activist Sean Clerkin.

On February 12 this year, the Herald on Sunday reported that senior SNP officials had been contacted by police to step up their investigation.

Three days later, Ms Sturgeon announced she was stepping down as SNP leader and First Secretary.

Asked if the investigation was the real reason for Ms Sturgeon’s resignation, Mr Yousaf said: “Nicola’s legacy stands on its own.

“Nicola’s legacy, whether it’s in terms of nurturing young people and delivering on The Promise, whether it’s tackling child poverty, there are many legacies she can stand on and I think that’s what she will be measured by.”

He continued: “I believe her a lot when she says how exhausted she was.

“I think anyone who has watched them during these daily briefings, day in and day out as the pandemic progresses, can understand how tiring it is.

“So, no, I don’t think that’s why Nicola Sturgeon resigned.”