Johnston Carmichael Resigns as SNP’s Accountancy Firm Amid Ongoing Financial Investigation

The Scottish National Party’s (SNP) accounts will no longer be audited by Johnston Carmichael, as the accountancy firm has resigned from its position. After conducting a review of its client portfolio, the firm has decided to sever its more than ten-year-long association with the SNP. As a result, the SNP’s treasurer is now tasked with finding another firm to audit the party’s finances.

SNP’s Finances Investigation: Arrest of Former Chief Executive

News of Johnston Carmichael’s resignation comes amid an ongoing investigation into the SNP’s finances. On Wednesday morning, police arrested Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP and husband of Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon. The arrest adds to the numerous questions surrounding the SNP’s finances that need answering. However, the police later released Murrell without charge, pending further investigation.

Large Political Parties’ Independent Audits Requirements

Political parties that are sizable like the SNP are mandated to present independently-audited accounts to the Electoral Commission each year. The SNP now has until the first week of July to submit its accounts, or it could face possible sanctions, including an independent audit.

Promise of Governance and Transparency Review by SNP’s New Leader

In response to recent developments, the SNP’s new leader, Humza Yousaf, has pledged to conduct a review of governance and transparency. The review will seek external input and will be discussed at a meeting of the party’s national executive committee later this month.

Conservative MSP’s Comments on the Situation

Conservative MSP Donald Cameron has remarked on the current state of events, stating that “this resignation only raises further questions about the increasingly murky picture surrounding the SNP’s finances… The public are sick of the SNP shrouding matters relating to their finances behind a wall of secrecy, and senior figures – including Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon – must be upfront about this situation.”

Overall, the resignation of Johnston Carmichael from its auditing role with the SNP has added to the already mounting questions about the party’s finances. Furthermore, with the ongoing investigation and the deadline for submitting independently-audited accounts fast approaching, the SNP is under considerable pressure to provide clarity and transparency regarding its finances. The review of governance and transparency that the SNP’s new leader has promised might be an excellent first step towards restoring the public’s trust in the party.