He learned that not only had the auditors resigned six months previously, but that the party had been unable to find another company willing to take them on as a client. Johnston Carmichael also ceased to act as auditors for the £1.5m-a-year SNP Westminster Group, which provides staff for the party’s 45 MPs. The SNP Westminster Group must give the Commons an auditor’s certificate by May 31 to confirm the £1.15m of Short Money it received in 2022/23 was spent correctly. Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray is demanding to know what Stephen Flynn, who became SNP Westminster leader in December, knew of Johnston Carmichael’s exit and when. A Commission spokesperson said: “The SNP informed us by telephone in early February this year that their auditors had resigned.

Source: The Herald April 16, 2023 10:05 UTC