SNP management race to interchange Sturgeon blew large gap in get together’s funds

The SNP management contest sparked by Nicola Sturgeon‘s shock resignation value the get together £160,000 which was not budgeted for, based on leaked paperwork.

Treasurer Stuart McDonald disclosed the large sum in a report back to the assembly of the SNP’s National Council over the weekend.

He additionally revealed the get together meant to recruit a “part-time qualified accountant” to keep watch over its books.

He admitted there was a have to “rebuild trust” amid a police probe into the SNP’s funds.

The SNP MSP stated: “While I cannot comment on the ongoing police investigation, one consequence is that there is work to do to rebuild trust in the processes and procedures that are in place to ensure financial management of our party.

“Working with staff, the Finance and Audit Committee and our auditors, steps have been taken and work is ongoing to refresh existing policies and introduce new policies which will improve accountability and transparency in financial decision making.

“Significantly, to improve the financial information that is available to staff, office bearers and NEC, colleagues on the National Executive Committee recently signed off on proposals to recruit a part-time qualified accountant; and while that recruitment process is ongoing. to engage an outside firm to undertake such work.”

Mr McDonald said the first half of 2023 was “not without challenges”.

He went on: “The overall cost of the leadership election was around £160,000, none of which was budgeted for.

“Membership income has been hit by the overall fall in membership numbers (73,936 as at 29 June), while the cost of living crisis has also impacted on the level of membership payments. However, looking ahead, the position is significantly more positive.

“While making predictions is not always wise, I remain confident our 2023 accounts will show a surplus as we build towards what will be a crucial general election year.

“We still have much work to do to ensure we put the party on the soundest financial footing possible.”

Ms Stugeon’s resignation as SNP chief and Scottish First Minister in February prompted the bitter management race which Humza Yousaf narrowly gained.

But a sequence of monetary woes have come to gentle following her exit, together with shedding a 3rd of the SNP’s members and the resignation of the get together’s auditors.

Ms Sturgeon, her husband and former SNP chief govt Peter Murrell and ex-treasurer Colin Beattie have all been arrested as a part of the police investigation into the get together’s funds earlier than being launched with out cost.

Operation Branchform centres on how £600,000 of donations earmarked for independence campaigning was spent.

Last week the SNP’s accounts confirmed it made a lack of greater than £800,000 final yr after its earnings and membership dropped.