The interim leader of the SNP admitted that independence is unlikely if the police continue to investigate the financial affairs of the party.
Party leader Mike Russell, who also served as acting CEO following the abrupt departure of Peter Murrell and the resignation of Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, warned that the party was “facing the biggest and most complex crisis we have ever faced.”
Police raided SNP headquarters earlier this week as part of a financial investigation, as did the family home of Mr Murrell and Mrs Sturgeon. Mr. Murrell was detained for questioning but later released without charge pending further investigation.
In conversation with Herald Mr. Russell said: “In my 50 years in the party, this is the biggest and most difficult crisis we have faced, especially during our administration.
“But I have a commitment to this party and to the Scottish independence movement, which has been such a big part of my life for so long.”
He continued: “I don’t believe that independence can be guaranteed at this point; we have to work on a coordinated campaign.
“But I think it can be done. My main task is to create a new “yes” movement that allows for different views, but in an atmosphere of mutual trust.”
The party was already in contention and chaos prior to Mr. Murrell’s arrest, and the leadership struggle for Ms. Sturgeon’s seat caused an apparent dramatic split in the SNP’s ranks.
While Humza Yousaf narrowly won the contest with 52% of the second preference vote, his rival Kate Forbes, who was supported by 48% of those eligible to vote, returned to the back benches instead of being demoted by Mr. Yousaf.
Some activists on the losing side expressed dismay that the contest, in which Mr. Yusaf was the Osetrovs’ candidate, ended before the true extent of the problems the side faced was known.
Both Mr. Yousaf and Mr. Russell have committed to conducting a comprehensive review of SNP governance and transparency.
On Friday, it was reported that the accounting firm that controls SNP’s finances is leaving after ten years of cooperation with the party.
Chartered Accountant Johnston Carmichael informed the party of the decision prior to Mr. Murrell’s arrest.
The party treasurer is now looking for another accountant to comply with the rules of the election commission.
Mr Russell said Herald: “It’s true that the last few weeks have been quite tiring. The only thing I can trust is to work with others to get things right.
“Whether you like it or not, the party has chosen Humza for this, and I want to help him in any way I can. Parties and institutions are fallible. In a sense, however, this is a case of “The King is dead, long live the King”. It should be.”
He also suggested it would be a good idea to start a “positive dialogue based on mutual respect” with Alba, the party founded by controversial former SNP leader Alex Salmond.
Source: I News
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.