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The SNP appointed Congressman Stuart MacDonald as party treasurer following the arrest and resignation of Colin Beattie.
Beattie was arrested on Tuesday and released without charge amid a police investigation into party finances.
Former CEO and husband of former Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, was also arrested and questioned earlier this month before being released without charge.
The SNP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) confirmed on Saturday the appointment of Mr McDonald, a former lawyer representing Cumbernauld, Kilsis and Kirkintilloch in Westminster.
“While this is a difficult and challenging time, I will continue my work as Secretary of State to help advance the important work led by the new leader, Humza Yousaf, to improve the governance and transparency of the SNP. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“With calls for Scottish independence more compelling than ever, when asked to do my part to keep my party strong in the elections, I did not hesitate to step forward. I’m going to.”
The new treasurer has the immediate task of finding a new auditor after SNP’s new leader, Humza Yousuf, confirmed that accountant Johnston Carmichael stepped down in September. The party’s accounts are due for him to be submitted to the Electoral Commission in July, and he could face financial consequences if he doesn’t nominate him by the deadline.
Mr Macdonald held several positions during his tenure at Westminster, and currently serves as the party’s justice and immigration spokesman.
Beattie, who served as treasurer from 2004 to 2020 and again from 2021, earlier this week stepped down from his role on Holyrood’s Public Audit Board pending police’s conclusion of the investigation.
Beatty, 71, said on Thursday, “On a personal level, this decision has not been easy, but I am more than happy with the important work being led by Humza Yousaf to improve governance and transparency at SNP.” It’s the right decision to avoid distractions.
“While I will continue to cooperate fully with the Scottish Police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the actual incident.”
Scottish Labor Deputy Leader Jackie Bailey said:
“Despite the SNP’s ongoing crisis, the SNP has shown no willingness to change.
“The culture of cover-up and secrecy continues to thrive as we fail to suspend high-ranking officials caught up in police investigations.
“This arrogant and despicable party must start operating with much-needed transparency and consistency, but I won’t hold my breath.”
Additional reporting from PA.