Humza Yousaf denies SNP faces bankruptcy
The First Minister described the party as "solvent"
The First Minister has denied the SNP is facing bankruptcy after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).
Humza Yousaf confirmed forensic auditors could be appointed, and that the NEC have agreed to hold a governance and transparency review.
He said: “we're not close to bankruptcy. This is something I've read in some social media circles but, no, the party is solvent."
It comes as police investigate the party's finances in a probe which has involved former chief executive Peter Murrell being arrested then released without charge.
When questioned about the review, Mr Yousaf went on to say: “we will ensure we have external input, particularly around the issues of financial oversight.
"So, that may well be forensic accountants, it may well be some other means and method - but I think around the additional financial oversight, external input is really important."
He was speaking at a campaign event in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, where the party may face a by-election.
Sitting MP Margaret Ferrier won the seat for the SNP in 2019 - but was later found to have damaged the reputation of the Commons and placed people at risk by taking part in a debate and travelling by train while suffering from Covid-19.
Mr Yousaf said he is "hopeful" of winning if a by-election is held.
He said: "I think it will be a challenging by-election for us. I'm not going to pretend otherwise in the context of Margaret's actions, plus also last week has been difficult.
"But we should also go in confident. We've got a good ground operation here. We know where a lot of our support is in the constituency."
However, Scottish Labour deputy leader, Jackie Baillie described Ms Ferrier’s actions as “reckless”, and said: “the SNP is chaotic and divided - the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserve better."
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