Latest news with #ex-Nats
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
John Swinney accused of secrecy over Operation Branchform
One rival said the failure to be open was 'typical' of the SNP's approach JOHN Swinney has been accused of 'secrecy' over cops' SNP fraud probe. Rivals blasted the First Minister — nicknamed Honest John — for refusing to say when and how he learned Nicola Sturgeon was in the clear. 1 Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said the failure to be open was 'typical' of the SNP Credit: Alamy Detectives previously arrested her and ex-Nats treasurer Colin Beattie. But both were told in March they were no longer under investigation. Her estranged husband Peter Murrell has been charged with embezzlement. Mr Swinney's officials said publishing any communications about Ms Sturgeon's position would 'risk' justice being 'seriously impeded'. But ministers previously shared an email from a top civil servant to then First Minister Humza Yousaf informing him of ex-SNP chief Mr Murrell's arrest in 2023. Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said the failure to be open was 'typical' of the SNP's approach to transparency. He said: 'It is typical of the secrecy we've come to expect from the SNP Government that they won't reveal what John Swinney knew and when. 'Whenever there's an awkward story or scandal, their first instinct is to disclose as little information is possible – and this policy seems to extend to their quangos too.' The Scottish Government said: 'It would not be appropriate to comment as there are live criminal proceedings.' Police and the Crown were asked for comment. John Swinney says he's not been asked by cops for Branchform chat We previously told how the FM was accused of overseeing an 11-year "fiasco" amid a fresh delay to one of two new ferries for islanders. Swinney faced jeers as it emerged delivery of the MV Glen Rosa to CalMac had been put back nine months until next year.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Nicola Sturgeon accused of ghosting parliament as she dodges gender scrutiny for train to London
The ex-Nats chief was spotted on a train to London on Thursday morning instead of turning up to Holyrood STUR-GONE? Nicola Sturgeon accused of ghosting parliament as she dodges gender scrutiny for train to London NICOLA Sturgeon was mocked for not 'showing up at work' as she continues to dodge Holyrood after the landmark Supreme Court case about the definition of a woman. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said the case showed that Holyrood had 'lost the plot' and accused the former first minister of having been 'detached from reality'. 3 Nicola Sturgeon was mocked for not 'showing up at work' as she continues to dodge Holyrood Credit: PA 3 It comes after the landmark Supreme Court case about the definition of a woman Credit: Alamy Ms Sturgeon pushed her controversial gender self-ID bill through Holyrood in late 2022, before resigning two months later. And the ex-Nats chief was spotted on a train to London on Thursday morning instead of turning up to Holyrood to take part in debates or First Minister's Questions. A source close to the former first minister said she was not working in the parliament on Thursday. Ms Sturgeon has not appeared or spoken in public since the Supreme Court case last week. And has been mocked by feminist campaigners including JK Rowling for her silence. At First Minister's Questions, Mr Findlay said: 'John Swinney has got a chance to be his own man and go a different way from his closest ally who isn't even showing up at work anymore. 'John Swinney could ditch Nicola Sturgeon's toxic legacy once and for all. Will he now take the chance to finally bring to the end the era of divisive gender politics?' However the SNP leader dodged the question and instead pointed out how the Scottish Tories position on the issue had changed since 2018. Facing jeers from MSPs, he added: 'My government will do what it always does, follow the rule of law, take careful account of the decisions and the context in which we take our decisions and act wisely to protect the rights of all within Scotland. 'Because the first duty of the government is to protect the rights of everyone in Scottish society.' Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spaces
