Swinney only aware of benefits probe into SNP candidate 'in recent days'
The First Minister was quizzed on The Scotsman’s story in Holyrood
John Swinney has told MSPs he only became aware of a benefits probe into an SNP candidate “in recent days” after his party was approached by The Scotsman.
The First Minister insisted the investigation into Sally Donald, who quit as an SNP candidate on Wednesday, showed the system is working.
But opponents have said it raises “serious questions”.
It comes after The Scotsman revealed Ms Donald is under investigation by Social Security Scotland over her claiming of adult disability payment (ADP).
In a statement on social media, she "strenuously denied any and all wrongdoing".
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay raised the case at First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood, describing Ms Donald as a “star candidate” for the SNP and pointing to John Swinney’s attendance at an event to promote her campaign just weeks ago.
He went on to accuse the SNP of effectively decriminalising benefits fraud after it emerged just three people have been convicted since 2022. He said the social security system in Scotland was a “charter for chancers”.
Mr Swinney responded: “The system is working, because investigations take place when they are required and there is a robust assessment process in place.
“What, of course, this is cover for for Mr Findlay is his desire to take benefits away from vulnerable people in our society.
“It’s the fault line in the system, that Russell Findlay and the Tories with their restoration of the proper credentials as the nasty party of Scottish politics are going after vulnerable people in our society. Well, my party is not going to do that.”
Speaking after FMQs, Shirley-Anne Somerville, the SNP Social Justice Secretary with responsibility for Social Security Scotland, also said she only became aware of the investigation into Ms Donald in recent days.
ADP was devolved from the DWP to the SNP’s own benefits agency in 2022. It can be worth up to £10,000 a year tax free and Ms Donald is believed to have been in receipt of the benefit for several years.
The payment is an in-work benefit awarded to people who need help with everyday tasks such as eating, washing, managing toilet needs or engaging socially with other people in person.
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