Ex-SNP spin physician Murray Foote describes search of Nicola Sturgeon’s residence as ‘grotesque spectacle’
The SNP’s former spin physician stated he’s assured the police investigation into the get together’s funds won’t lead to any fees.
Murray Foote was head of communications till he stood down in March following a row in regards to the get together 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 fees after the police investigation is concluded.
Mr Foote speculated on the veracity of the probe, codenamed Operation Branchform.
Former chief government Peter Murrell and ex-treasurer MSP Colin Beattie had been each arrested as a part of the investigation, however later released without charge.
Mr Foote wrote: “I’m not saying Branchform is a wild goose chase – but what if it is?
“Surely it is value contemplating. Actually, if we cherish the presumption of innocence, then a no fees end result have to be at the very least thought of.
“And the fallout would have serious consequences for the investigating authorities.
“Given the grim spectacle on the home Peter Murrell shares with Nicola Sturgeon and on the get together HQ, it is inconceivable the authorities can be so cavalier with out slam dunk proof, proper?”
Police searched Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell’s residence in addition to SNP headquarters
Mr Murrell was arrested and later launched with out cost
Mr Foote then in contrast the scenario to Rangers the place directors David Whitehouse and Paul Clark had been falsely arrested over the soccer membership’s monetary woes.
He added: “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 in which, I’m not criticising the investigation itself. If the police obtain a grievance, it is their responsibility to research.”
The former spin doctor said the sight of forensic tents outside of the home of former first minister Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell was “extraordinary” and a “grotesque circus”.
Mr Foote said Mr Beattie and Mr Murrell are highly unlikely to be “grasp criminals”.
He added: “First minister Sturgeon and her husband lived beneath 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.”
Nicola Sturgeon spoke to the media on her return to the Scottish Parliament following the arrest of her husband final month
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Instead, Mr Foote attacked the Conservatives, saying they know they’re the “real party of corruption”, and accused them of exploiting the scenario.
Scottish Conservatives MSP Annie Wells stated: “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 religion in Peter Murrell’s character will elevate just a few eyebrows, given it was the previous chief government’s lies over SNP membership figures which led to his personal resignation.”