Keir Starmer backs Holyrood probe into Peter Murrell scandal

The Prime Minister told MPs there are “clearly serious, legitimate questions that deserve answers and scrutiny”.

He made the comments ahead of a Holyrood vote on an inquiry this afternoon.

Labour MP Alison Taylor, who represents Paisley and Renfrewshire North, raised Murrell’s crimes in the Commons.

READ MORE: The key questions an inquiry into Peter Murrell scandal could ask

“Peter Murrell pled guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 of SNP members’ funds,” she said.

“Thousands of pounds were spent on luxury items, ranging from a salt and pepper grinder to a new Jaguar to a luxury motorhome.

“When party figures raised concerns, even resigned, they were silenced and ostracised by those at the very top of the SNP.

“Does the Prime Minister agree that a full investigation into this national scandal needs to be held as a matter of urgency.”

Responding, Sir Keir said: "These are clearly serious, legitimate questions that deserve answers and scrutiny - answers and scrutiny they are not getting.

"I do think the Scottish Parliament should look at them closely, and I hope they’ll listen to the concerns of this House.”

First Minister John Swinney has repeatedly rejected the idea of an inquiry, insisting there is no need for a further investigation.

Scottish Labour had lodged a motion in Holyrood calling for a probe, but this is expected to be voted down this afternoon.

Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee has delayed a decision on launching its own investigation until after this debate.

It has written to the Electoral Commission, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Clerk of the House to understand the “potential implication of public funds in the embezzlement of SNP funds”.