Former SNP spin physician keen to gamble on no prices from police finance probe
T
he SNP’s former spin physician mentioned he’s assured the police investigation into the celebration’s funds won’t end in any prices, as he spoke publicly concerning the probe for the primary time.
Murray Foote was head of communications for the SNP till standing down in March after a row concerning the celebration offering inaccurate membership figures to the media throughout its management election, saying he had handed them on in “good faith”.
The former Daily Record editor wrote within the newspaper on Thursday that he’s ready to gamble on there being no prices after the investigation is concluded.
Mr Foote speculated on the veracity of the probe, codenamed Operation Branchform, and whether or not it’s a “wild goose chase”, branding it a “grotesque spectacle”.
Former chief government Peter Murrell and ex-treasurer MSP Colin Beattie have been each arrested as a part of the investigation, however later launched with out cost.
Mr Foote wrote: “I’m not saying Branchform is a wild goose chase – but what if it is?
“Surely it’s worth considering. Actually, if we cherish the presumption of innocence, then a no charges outcome must be at least considered.
“And the fallout would have serious consequences for the investigating authorities.
“Given the grim spectacle at the house Peter Murrell shares with Nicola Sturgeon and at the party HQ, it’s inconceivable the authorities would be so cavalier without slam dunk evidence, right?”
Mr Foote then in contrast the state of affairs to Rangers the place directors David Whitehouse and Paul Clark have been falsely arrested over the soccer membership’s monetary woes.
“The legal costs over the wrongful pursuit of those involved in the administration and purchase of the Ibrox club are upwards of £50 million,” he wrote.
“So, the authorities have previous for high-profile inquiries collapsing in scandal.
“If they have spectacularly misjudged this one too, then the reputational cost will be far more substantial than the cash spent on manpower.
“By the way, I’m not criticising the investigation itself. If the police receive a complaint, it’s their duty to investigate.”
The former spin physician mentioned the sight of forensic tents exterior of the house of former first minister Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell was “extraordinary” and a “grotesque circus”.
Mr Foote mentioned Mr Beattie and Mr Murrell are extremely unlikely to be “master criminals”.
“What I do know, however, is something of the character of the two men arrested to date and, in Peter Murrell and Colin Beattie, two less likely master criminals you will struggle to meet.
“Firstly, Peter’s loyalty to his wife is unquestionable.
“First minister Sturgeon and her husband lived under crushingly intense scrutiny.
“It is inconceivable to me that Peter would so much as consider doing something dodgy lest it rebound and put his wife in jeopardy.”
Instead, Mr Foote attacked the Conservatives, saying they know they’re the “real party of corruption”, and accused them of exploiting the state of affairs.
On Wednesday, First Minister and SNP chief Humza Yousaf spoke of his reduction over appointing new auditors.
The celebration had been with out auditors since late 2022.
Mr Yousaf has mentioned he solely discovered concerning the state of affairs after he turned celebration chief in March.
He mentioned: “We take our statutory obligations extremely seriously, so it is welcome news that AMS Accountants Group will complete the accounts for both the party and the SNP Westminster group.
“There is hard work ahead, but it is really encouraging to have them on board as we work towards challenging deadlines.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells mentioned: “Murray Foote may have quit his post but this highly speculative article shows he’s still happy to spin for his former employer, the SNP.
“Mr Foote’s faith in Peter Murrell’s character will raise a few eyebrows, given it was the former chief executive’s lies over SNP membership figures which led to his own resignation.”