SNP plunged into turmoil: Desperate plea for unity as own politicians threaten to stop funding party
The SNP has seen its unity shattered
PA
A senior SNP MP has pleaded for the party to "come together" after some politicians were left furious over claims central funds may pay the legal bill of Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell.
The former chief executive of the party was arrested last week as part of an investigation into financial mismanagement of SNP funding.
New Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf warned over the weekend that the party may have "obligations" to cover the legal costs of Murrell's defence, given that the police investigation relates to when he was directly employed by the SNP.
Several MSPs are claimed to now be threatening to withhold their £250-a-month membership subscriptions in protest.
Humza Yousaf warend the party may have an 'obligation' to cover the costs
PAThe revolt is the latest turn in an internal saga that has seen unity within the SNP collapse.
Speaking this morning, the party's former Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, issued an appeal for MPS and MSPs to stick together through the difficult period.
He admitted the party was facing "a very challenging period" and warned that "political parties that aren’t united tend to face electoral challenges".
"I would appeal to everyone in the party to come together now the election contest for the leader and the First Minister is over," Blackford said.
Peter Murrell was released without charge last night after police raided his house
PA"I’m optimistic but we need to make sure that we show that we’re worthy of the support of the people of Scotland."
He added: "We need to demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust of the people and it’s about, I would say, the Scottish Government delivering across all the devolved areas and doing the work that we need to do to demonstrate that the best answer for Scotland is to become an independent country."
News of a planned rebellion on membership fees was first reported yesterday.
The SNP is thought to have hired leading lawyer Stuart Munro who specialises in "allegations of financial crime" to advise on the current situation.
Murrell was arrested by police last Wednesday, with his and Sturgeon's home searched by police. He was later released without charge.
His comments come after SNP president Mike Russell admitted over the weekend that he no longer believed independence can be achieved "right now" due to the ongoing saga facing the party.
"The last few weeks have been pretty wearing.
"All I can do is put my trust in working with others to get it right," he told The Herald.