Humza Yousaf has already entered the record books of Scottish politics as the new party leader with the shortest honeymoon – none. Also, perhaps, as author of one the all-time great understatements. “Certainly not helpful,” was Mr Yousaf’s verdict when asked about the arrest of Colin Beattie, the Scottish National party’s treasurer, on the day the first minister was due to set out his vision for government.
Mr Yousaf reminded his audience, correctly, that Mr Beattie has a right to be presumed innocent. It is too early to form a definitive judgment about SNP finances or the individuals who have been questioned by police, including Peter Murrell, the party’s chief executive and husband of the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
