SNP auditors quit after police search Peter Murrell's home

The steadfast that audits the SNP's finances has resigned, the BBC has learned.

Accountants Johnston Carmichael, which has worked with the enactment for much than a decade, said the determination was taken aft a reappraisal of its lawsuit portfolio.

By law, the enactment has until 7 July to contiguous their accounts to the Electoral Commission oregon look imaginable sanctions.

It comes aft constabulary investigating the party's finances searched the location of erstwhile SNP main enforcement Peter Murrell - Nicola Sturgeon's husband.

He was arrested connected Wednesday and aboriginal released without charge.

A spokesperson for the SNP said the enactment was successful the process of uncovering a replacement firm.

The SNP is required to hole fiscal statements successful accordance with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000.

However Electoral Commission rules authorities immoderate enactment with income oregon expenditure of much than £250,000 is required by instrumentality to besides independently audit their accounts and see this study successful their submission.

Accounts are from the calendar year, not the fiscal twelvemonth and the deadline for 2022 accounts is 7 July 2023.

If determination is nary auditors study and nary tenable excuse, the committee person the powerfulness to name their ain steadfast of auditors to look astatine the accounts.

The party's full income was £4,510,460, full expenditure was £5,262,032, assets were £1,630,454 and liabilities were £1,055,689.

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