£100k SNP Battle Bus Seized in Police Probe
The SNP’s pricey motorhome, worth over £100,000, was seized by police last week amid an ongoing financial investigation. The lavish vehicle was intended as a “campaign battle bus” for the 2021 Holyrood election but never hit the road thanks to Covid restrictions.
Humza Yousaf Caught Off Guard
SNP leader Humza Yousaf only found out about the motorhome purchase when police flashed a warrant to take the vehicle. This came after complaints were raised about the party’s dodgy finances. Yousaf insists he had no clue about the purchase beforehand.
Financial Chaos and No Auditors
The motorhome drama is just the tip of the iceberg. The SNP has been without auditors since September after Johnston Carmichael dropped them post-client review. Yousaf admits he was unaware of this fiasco until taking charge. He’s promised to urgently appoint new auditors amid mounting doubts about the party’s money management and transparency.
Police Probe Rumbles On
The party’s finances are currently under police investigation over complaints regarding how over £600,000 in activist donations were spent. Yousaf acknowledged the public has “very reasonable” questions about transparency and called for more openness on party finances.
Legal Showdown with UK Government
Adding to SNP’s woes, the party is locked in a legal fight with the UK government over gender recognition reforms passed by the Scottish Parliament. The UK has blocked the reforms, sparking a Scottish government legal challenge. Former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption slammed Scotland’s position as “weak” and said the forthcoming Supreme Court battle will be “very difficult.”
