Swinney to face FMQs after MSPs vote down call for Murrell inquiry

John Swinney will face questions from the opposition after Holyrood voted down a call for an inquiry into Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of £400,000 from the SNP.

A Labour call for an inquiry to be held to “restore public trust in Scottish politics” was rejected, with MSPs instead favouring the Greens’ suggestion of a wider independent review into party political finances.

The First Minister said Labour had tried to “exploit” Murrell’s crimes for political advantage.

The SNP leader, who was not present in Holyrood for the debate, said afterwards that MSPs had “agreed there must be a fully independent review into the funding of all political parties”.

Swinney has repeatedly insisted an inquiry is not necessary and would fail to add anything to the lengthy police operation that led to Murrell’s guilty plea last month.

Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer said that Labour’s demand for a Holyrood inquiry was “the response of sore losers who cannot deal with the fact that, for 20 years, they have failed to put a positive vision to the people”.

Instead of Labour’s suggested Holyrood inquiry, the Greens proposed an independent review into party political finances – with this backed by 71 votes to 50.

Swinney will face the opposition before heading across the Atlantic ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup game in 28 years.

Economy, tourism and transport secretary Stephen Flynn and community care minister Alison Thewliss are both to travel to the US in a personal capacity rather than to represent the Scottish Government.

Asked why two Government ministers were being permitted to take time off while Holyrood is sitting, a spokesman for the First Minister said it was a “big moment” for the country.

Both Flynn and Thewliss booked their trips before being elected as MSPs and subsequently joining the Scottish Government last month.