Johnston Carmichael had spent a decade auditing the party, and his resignation “raises more questions about the increasingly murky financial picture surrounding the SNP,” according to a Conservative MSP.
The SNP’s accounting firm has resigned, it was revealed days after Nicola Sturgeon’s spouse was arrested in connection with an investigation into the party’s finances.
Johnston Carmichael audited the SNP’s finances for a decade, but a party spokesperson verified that the firm “will not be providing audit services” to the party this year.
The party’s treasurer is currently searching for a new auditing firm.
Peter Murrell, Ms. Sturgeon’s spouse, and former SNP chief executive was arrested this week by police investigating the party’s finances.
Subsequently, he was released without charges pending additional investigation.
The accounting firm resigned before Mr. Murrell’s arrest.
It is believed that Johnston Carmichael decided after reviewing its client portfolio and available resources.
Johnston Carmichael’s spokesperson told, “As a regulated organization, we adhere to our client confidentiality obligations and do not discuss client business.
MSP for the Scottish Conservative Party, Donald Cameron, stated that the resignation “raises further questions about the increasingly murky financial picture surrounding the SNP.”
“Given that this firm has audited the party’s finances for so long, the SNP must provide complete transparency regarding their decision to leave now,” he added.
“The extraordinary events of the past few weeks have left the SNP with many questions to answer. And the resignation of their auditors only adds to the list of issues they must address.”
Investigate £600,000 in campaign expenditures
Mr. Murrell was arrested for over 12 hours on Wednesday in connection with a party funding inquiry.
Police Scotland is investigating the expenditure of approximately £600,000 designated for the Scottish independence campaign.
It is believed that there have been complaints that the restricted funds were improperly spent elsewhere.
Police put a blue tent in Mr. Murrell and Ms. Sturgeon’s Glasgow front lawn.
Also one officer was carrying two implements in the backyard in the afternoon.
A police photographer was observed documenting the investigation as officers were seen opening a small shed and a storage box.
Police were also observed removing and stacking large green crates from the SNP’s Edinburgh headquarters.
The investigation begins just one week after Humza Yousaf was sworn in as the sixth first minister of Scotland. Succeeding Nicola Sturgeon after her shocking resignation in February.
In one of her final interviews, the former SNP leader told that the ongoing investigation and the resulting pressure on her and her spouse did not play a role in her resignation.
She added that she had “not heard” if her spouse had been asked to speak with investigators.
Mr. Murrell has not been seen in public since he resigned from his senior position one month ago. Following a disastrous dispute over party membership numbers involving secrecy.
