North SNP MSPs say party is facing 'immediate challenges' and has to take decisive action or it 'will be in trouble'

THE SNP is facing "immediate challenges" and has to take decisive action or it "will be in trouble."

That is the view of two party Highland MSPs – Maree Todd and Kate Forbes, who were speaking following the police investigation into how more than £600,000 in donations for a proposed IndyRef2 campaign has been spent, sparking a major crisis after two top level officials were interviewed by police.

Earlier this month, Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell was questioned by police and there was a two-day search of the couple’s home and garden as well as the seizure of a campervan. This week, treasurer Colin Beattie was also taken in for questioning and has resigned from his post.

Ms Todd, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: "The SNP is, no doubt, facing immediate challenges, but I have every faith that, under the progressive leadership of Humza Yousaf, the SNP will strengthen its internal governance and transparency – maintaining the trust Scottish voters have placed in our party in the process."

She added: "The SNP remains Scotland’s largest party, leading in the polls and winning election after election in recent years. I am proud to stand on the SNP’s strong record in Government and I look forward to continuing that work with colleagues and activists alike to offer a bold and radical vision of the greener, fairer, and wealthier nation Scotland can become with secure independence. This week in Parliament, Humza Yousaf set out his vision and priorities in Government which reflect the issues impacting households in the Highlands today."

Ms Todd said the Scottish Government is "fully committed" to delivering efficient and effective public services, tackling poverty, and "establishing a well-being economy that works for the workers – not the other way around."

She described as "very welcome" proposals to give councils powers to set fairer and more appropriate council tax levels on second homes and said: "The Scottish Government is taking necessary and decisive action to increase the number of affordable homes available to local residents and helping to create sustainable communities. This is a government that is listening and stands ready to support businesses and communities."

Her SNP Highland MSP colleague and recent leadership contender, Kate Forbes, has expressed her concerns about the party's problems.

She said: "I think we need decisive action or we will be in trouble. People are watching with astonishment but they want to see the leadership dealing with it and resolving it.

“Right now with questions over integrity, trust, transparency – I think voters are watching extremely carefully. There is still time to sort it out. But continuity won’t cut it."

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison took a similar line: " We’ve got to absolutely get our house in order, the public will expect nothing else, but meanwhile we also have to address some of those concerns that the public have about other matters like the cost-of-living crisis."

An SNP spokesman said: "Under the fresh leadership of Humza Yousaf, the SNP has put in place the mechanisms to improve transparency and governance within the party."

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