THE SNP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has agreed to undertake a governance and transparency review within the party.
Following a meeting of the NEC on Saturday, a working group will be appointed - consisting of both NEC members and non-NEC members of the party with experience of governance in other organisations - to take forward a review of party governance.
The party states that, where appropriate, this will include external input - in particular from those with expertise in financial oversight.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said that an interim report on the review would be published in June.
“I’m please the NEC agreed to the governance and transparency review,” he said.
“They agreed particularly around the issue of financial oversight and where we can improve that and have external input.
“They also agreed to produce an interim report in June and then a further, fuller report towards the autumn before the annual conference.
“And we will make sure that the full details of that motion from the NEC are published.”
Yousaf also rubbished claims that the party was close to bankruptcy and said that forensic accountants may be involved in the review.
He added: "“We’re not close to bankruptcy. This is something I’ve read in some social media circles but, no, the party is solvent.
“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."
The NEC also approved proposals for the appointment of a Chief Executive, which include organising an external recruitment process for the role.
Commenting, SNP business convener Kirsten Oswald MP said:
"The SNP is absolutely committed to improving governance and transparency - and today's meeting by the NEC makes that commitment clear.
"Calling on party expertise and, where appropriate, external input, the Working Group will identify where governance and transparency can be improved.
"Decision by SNP's ruling body today ensure swift action and put the party firmly on a campaign footing as the case for Scottish independence becomes more compelling than ever."
It comes during the ongoing police investigation into the party’s finances, which saw former chief executive Peter Murrell arrested and released without charge earlier this month.
The party is also searching for new auditors before a key Electoral Commission deadline in July.
Previous auditors Johnston Carmichael resigned around October last year – a fact Humza Yousaf only learned of when becoming party leader.
