SNP leader John Swinney has said he is “comfortable” with the party’s vetting procedures after reports that Nicola Sturgeon and a former treasurer have been approved despite a police investigation.
Both were subsequently released without charge pending further investigation, while Ms Sturgeon’s husband and former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was eventually charged in relation to the alleged embezzlement of party funds.
It was reported on Friday by the Herald that former first minister Ms Sturgeon and fellow MSP Colin Beattie have been given the green light by the party to stand as candidates at the Holyrood election next year.
Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, First Minister Mr Swinney said he has no issue with the party’s vetting processes.
“These are decisions that the party has taken through its due democratic processes, and I’m comfortable with all of those decisions,” he said after a speech at the NFU Scotland conference in Glasgow.
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