THE First Minster has said he does not believe the SNP is operating in a “criminal way” following the arrest of treasurer Colin Beattie.
However, he added that “change is needed” in the way that the party operates and that this is something he has made clear since succeeding Nicola Sturgeon as his party’s leader.
Yousaf is due to give a statement to the Scottish Parliament this afternoon where he will set out his government’s priorities.
He told reporters he believed people are "innocent until proven guilty" when asked if Beattie has been suspended.
Police Scotland have said that Beattie, 71, was arrested and taken into custody this morning in relation to an investigation into SNP finances.
NEW: First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks for the first time following the arrest of the SNP treasurer Colin Beattie. @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/2726okGguS
— Connor Gillies (@ConnorGillies) April 18, 2023
Asked if he believe the SNP were operating in a “criminal way”, Yousaf said: “I don’t believe it is at all no. As you know, I’ve instructed a review into transparency and good governance.
“And of course with the issue around financial oversight and I want some external input into that so there is change that is needed within the way the party is operating.”
Beattie’s arrest comes after the SNP’s former chief executive and husband of Nicola Sturgeon Peter Murrell was arrested and released without charge earlier this month.
Asked if the news was staring to derail the statement Yousaf is due to give on Tuesday afternoon, he said: “It certainly is not helpful of course. I wanted to, I will and am still determined of course to articulate what my vision is as the new leader and a fresh start for the government.
“So I’ll still do that of course at 20 minutes past two and I hope that we can move onto speak about those issues but look I’m not going to take away from the fact that the timing of this is far from ideal.”
The First Minister said he was unable to comment further on a live investigation and that it was his understanding Beattie was still in a police station being questioned by officers.
He said he would “consider” whether or not to take Beattie off the Public Audit Committee.
Opposition parties have spent the day calling for the party treasurer’s resignation with Labour leader Keir Starmer saying the SNP have descended into a “real mess” and that Labour offered a better future for the people of Scotland.
Yousaf has said that an interim report on the review into transparency and governance will be published in June.
