Former SNP Treasurer’s Strict Control Over Party Finances Revealed
Senior sources within the Scottish National Party (SNP) have claimed that former party treasurer Colin Beattie exhibited extreme caution regarding the handling of the party’s financial records. Beattie, who served as treasurer for over 16 years intermittently between 2004 and 2023, is alleged to have distributed numbered copies of party accounts during National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings and actively prevented officials from taking them for further examination.
The Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Midlothian North and Musselburgh reportedly deferred financial queries to former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell, even when NEC members sought clarification on spending. Several former NEC members have reportedly come forward due to frustration over the perceived lack of financial scrutiny during Beattie’s tenure.
Allegations of Secrecy and Reliance on Murrell
While there is no suggestion that Beattie was aware of any criminal activity, one senior party member stated that his “obsession with preventing leaks combined with a lack of detailed knowledge about the party’s financial situation created the perfect opportunity for Peter.”
This source elaborated, “Colin handed out numbered copies of the accounts at NEC meetings, and wouldn’t allow anyone to take them away. He was so paranoid about leaks that he numbered every copy and made sure to collect them in again. We were able to ask questions but only during the meetings, and we didn’t have a lot of time. When he got questions, which happened a lot, he would just defer to Peter. He rarely answered anything himself. He would just agree with whatever Peter said.”
Another former NEC member noted that Beattie had “spent years saying he was the legally responsible one if anything ever went wrong.” A third individual echoed this sentiment, suggesting Beattie “wanted to appear important but without knowing how to do the job, or without being allowed to do it.” This person also commented on Beattie’s silence, stating, “He hasn’t really explained his side of how this all happened, what’s his take on it, or even said he’s sorry for allowing this to happen under his watch as the party treasurer.”
Sturgeon’s Comments and NEC Dynamics
In a recent broadcast interview, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon indicated that she was unaware of significant financial irregularities within the party during the period of alleged misconduct. She cited the treasurer’s responsibility to present accounts to the NEC and highlight any items requiring particular attention, stating that the national treasurer had not drawn her attention to substantial expenditures, such as funds allocated for a campervan.
Sturgeon also mentioned that NEC members would pose questions. However, a former NEC member countered this, explaining, “What Nicola said is technically true – but it’s not how it actually worked. Any questions were fielded by Peter, and we barely had any chance to scrutinise the accounts.”
Political Reactions and Calls for Inquiry
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie commented on the revelations, stating, “This just demonstrates that the culture of secrecy and cover-up that was at the very top of the party trickled right down to branch level. It is clear that right through the SNP, there is a toxic culture which has sought to silence anyone who spoke out about concerns. Public trust has been wrecked by this scandal.” Baillie urged for an inquiry, adding, “If they care at all about transparency, Colin Beattie and the SNP would agree to an inquiry so these important issues can be examined.”
Scottish Conservatives deputy leader Rachael Hamilton remarked, “Colin Beattie cannot escape his role in this epic SNP scandal. He was clearly happy to dance to Murrell’s tune all the while the disgraced former Chief Executive was busy embezzling hundreds of thousands of party funds. Beattie’s paranoid behaviour is further damning evidence that those in senior roles within the SNP at this time were determined to do everything they could to avoid potential tough and harmful questions. He still has the privilege of being an MSP and should come clean as to why he completely failed to spot Murrell’s thefts.”
Beattie’s Resignation and Legal Proceedings
Beattie resigned as SNP treasurer in 2023 following his arrest as part of Operation Branchform. Police Scotland later announced that neither he nor Nicola Sturgeon would face further action in relation to the investigation. Peter Murrell was arrested and charged, and earlier this month pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,000 from the SNP.
Following Murrell’s guilty plea, Beattie read a prepared statement at Holyrood but declined to answer follow-up questions regarding his involvement. Reports indicate that Beattie invoked a “no comment” response when interviewed by police as part of Operation Branchform and also reportedly refused to provide a witness statement to aid in Murrell’s prosecution. Nicola Sturgeon also reportedly gave a “no comment” interview and declined to provide a witness statement to assist prosecutors.
Attempts to obtain comment from Colin Beattie have been unsuccessful.
