In response to rumours of a financial crisis, the SNP said its finances are “balanced”.
According to the Sunday Times, the party’s treasurer informed the party’s governing body that the organization was struggling to balance its accounts due to a mass exodus of members and donors.
Humza Yousaf, the new SNP leader, denied rumours that the party was insolvent on Saturday.
After two weeks of turmoil, the SNP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened on Saturday morning.
Later, when Mr. Yousaf was asked about rumors that the party was facing potential bankruptcy, he responded, “It’s not. The party’s finances are sound.”
However, the Sunday Times reported that party treasurer Colin Beattie told the NEC meeting that the party was “struggling to balance its books due to a decline in membership and donations.”
According to the newspaper, he also warned that a probable Westminster by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West in the coming months could “put the party under pressure.”
The SNP asserted that the report was deceptive and that the party was prepared to contest any by-election that could be called if Margaret Ferrier is suspended from the House of Commons for violating Covid rules.
A spokesperson for the party stated, “Selected quotes taken out of context do not accurately represent the case presented at today’s [Saturday’s] meeting of the National Executive Committee.”
“The SNP’s National Treasurer has confirmed that the party’s finances are in order, and as Scotland’s largest political party. We will fight any by-election with the intent to win – to suggest otherwise is ludicrous.”
The SNP is viable.
Former Westminster leader of the party, Ian Blackford, concurred that there was no imminent threat to the party’s finances.
Mr. Blackford told The Sunday Show on Radio Scotland, “Absolutely, categorically, the SNP is solvent.”
“The financial situation is stable. Going forward, we will be able to satisfy our obligations and liabilities.”
The Ross, Skye, and Lochaber spokesman acknowledged a “dip” in party membership but hoped to remedy it.
He added, “When all is said and done, we still have over 70,000 members, members who are paying dues, donations pouring in, and contributions from parliamentarians.
“As is customary, we will also investigate ways to raise additional funds.
“However, the party will be prepared to meet all of its obligations and will certainly be prepared to face the challenge of a Rutherglen by-election in the coming period, should one occur.”
Last Monday, Mr. Yousaf said he didn’t know the SNP’s auditors had resigned six months prior to his becoming leader.
The party’s July audit may be hampered by Johnston Carmichael’s September departure. The party has acknowledged recruiting difficulties for new auditors.
On Thursday, the new SNP leader and premier said he only learnt the party had bought a luxurious campervan.
It was seized outside a residence in Dunfermline as part of the police investigation into the political party’s finances.
It was bought as a campaign bus for the 2021 Holyrood election if Covid restrictions precluded socialising. But it was never utilised, according to the Daily Record.
Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s spouse, and former SNP chief executive were arrested on 5 April as their home and the SNP’s Edinburgh offices were searched as part of a police investigation. Later, he was released without charges pending further investigation.
Mr. Murrell resigned from his SNP position last month after providing a journalist with false information about party membership statistics.
The police investigation was prompted by complaints regarding the party’s use of more than £600,000 in donations from activists to finance a future independence referendum campaign.
The SNP ended 2019 with £97,000 in the bank and £270,000 in net assets.
Saturday, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) endorsed proposals for an internal review of governance and transparency. Also the appointment of a new chief executive through an “open and transparent” external recruitment process.
One NEC member threatened to resign if “forensic auditors” weren’t recruited to investigate the party’s finances before the meeting.
SNP trade union group convener Bill Ramsay said, “I have been raising concerns about the party’s leadership for some time.”
Forensic audits are performed to find courtroom-worthy evidence.
Later, Humza Yousaf indicated that a NEC resolution unanimously permitted “external input” in the review may include forensic auditors.
Craig Hoy, chairman of the Scottish Conservatives, questioned why the party had not yet appointed new auditors.
Adding, “People inside and outside the SNP are fed up with the secrecy and lack of transparency of senior figures.”
Jackie Baille of the Scottish Labour Party added, “The SNP is a party in complete disarray, with claims and counter-claims being traded in the crossfire.”
Rutherglen special election
Saturday, Mr. Yousaf campaigned in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, where a Westminster by-election is possible.
Margaret Ferrier gained the seat for the SNP in 2019, but it was later discovered that she had damaged the reputation of the House of Commons and endangered the safety of others by participating in a debate and traveling by train after testing positive for Covid-19. She is currently independent.
A recall petition might cause a by-election in her constituency if she is excluded from the Commons for 10 days or more. However, 10% of electors in her district would have to support this for it to proceed.
