SNP faces biggest crisis in 50 years amid financial probe, says president

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A senior SNP official says the party faces its biggest crisis in 50 years amid police investigation into its finances.

Mike Russell, the SNP chairman and former minister, also said he did not believe independence could be achieved "at this time".

On Wednesday, former chief executive Peter Murrell said was arrested by police investigating expenditure of around £600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign.

Mr. Murrell, who is the husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was released without charge on Wednesday evening pending further investigation.

Police searched their Glasgow home for more than a day, with uniformed officers also searching the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

Mike Russell, a former Scottish government minister, spoke of the crisis facing the SNP

(PA Archive)

In an interview with The Herald newspaper, Mr Russell said the past few weeks had been "draining" for the SNP , who recently chose Humza Yousaf to succeed Ms Sturgeon as party leader.

He said: "In my 50 years of association with the party, this is the crisis most important and difficult we have ever faced, certainly since we were in government.

< p>"But I have an obligation to this party and to the movement for Scottish independence which has been such an important part of my life for so long."

He continued, "I don't think independence can be secured right now; we need to work on a coordinated campaign.

“But I think it's doable. My main focus is how we can create a new Yes movement that allows for different visions but conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust. »

Mr. Russell said there would be a thorough review of SNP governance and transparency.

This was promised by Mr Yousaf, who was sworn in as Prime Minister last week.

On Friday it emerged that the accounting firm which audits the SNP's finances has resigned after working with the party for a decade.

Accountants Johnston Carmichael have informed the party of the decision. ..