Murray backs parliamentary inquiries into party funding and Lord Advocate role in wake of Murrell embezzlement

Responding to confirmation that the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee will launch inquiries into the dual role of the Lord Advocate, and into the financial regulation of political parties in Scotland, Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs spokesperson and committee member Susan Murray MP said:

“The recent case involving the embezzlement of funds by Peter Murrell, the SNP's Chief Executive and husband to Nicola Sturgeon, has once again highlighted how strange it is for the head of Scotland's prosecution service and the First Minister's chief legal advisor to be the same person.

"From decisions over whether to proceed with prosecutions, to questions over when John Swinney was informed about key decisions, there can be little doubt that this arrangement has put public trust under considerable strain.

"While I respect the integrity of the recent Lord Advocates, I think it is prudent to scrutinise how this dual role is working and if improvements are due and for that reason I fully support an inquiry by the Scottish Affairs Committee into the Lord Advocate’s role.

“The Scottish Government has consistently refused to demonstrate transparency on the Murrell scandal. Public trust in our politics depends on proper scrutiny and these inquiries can play a part in providing it.”