SNP Health Secretary Angela Constance today made “a dismal attempt to defend the indefensible” in a car crash interview in which she was quizzed over the SNP fraud scandal, according to Scottish Labour.
Constance described the scandal, which saw over £400,000 embezzled by Peter Murrell, as an “internal party matter” – despite concerns that public cash may have been involved.
On Wednesday, John Swinney also astonishingly admitted that donations the SNP had claimed were “ring-fenced” for an independence campaign had in fact been used as “part of the resources” for the party’s ongoing work.
Asked what the money had been spent on, Constance said: “All of our activities are about furthering the cause of independence.”
However, she failed to explain why that money was then used to splash out on luxury goods, including Nicola Sturgeon’s bookcase, multiple coffee machines, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars, and a motorhome.
And she rowed in behind her boss, John Swinney, by arguing against a parliamentary inquiry – “in a desperate bid to avoid any scrutiny”.
Scottish Labour deputy leader and Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “This was a complete car crash of an interview. Angela Constance was an embarrassment as she flailed about trying to defend the indefensible.
“The SNP’s credibility has been completely shot to pieces, and Dishonest John clearly does not have a single shred of integrity by repeatedly refusing to allow an inquiry to take place.
“This money was donated by people in good faith, having been specifically told it would be for a ‘ring-fenced’ fund towards an independence campaign.
“However, it was spent fraudulently by Peter Murrell, allowing Nicola Sturgeon to live a life of luxury, while the SNP helped itself to that money to fund its everyday activities.
“This is an outrageous scandal, and SNP ministers should be utterly ashamed that they are continuing to deny the public the truth, including who knew what and when.
“If Swinney and the SNP have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear from a parliamentary inquiry. However, their stubborn determination to dig themselves into an even bigger hole makes them look ridiculous.”
