Johnston Carmichael resigns as SNP auditor

Johnston Carmichael resigns as SNP auditor

Johnston Carmichael, the firm auditing the SNP’s finances, has resigned after working with the party for over a decade.

The decision was made following a review of its clients and prior to the arrest of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was released without charge. The SNP is currently searching for a replacement firm. 

A spokesperson for Johnston Carmichael told Scottish Financial News: “As a regulated organisation, we adhere to our obligations on client confidentiality and do not discuss client business.”



First Minister Humza Yousaf today confirmed that Johnston Carmichael had resigned as auditor “around about October”.

Police Scotland has been investigating the party’s finances since July 2021. Mr Murrell, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, was arrested during a search of his home and SNP headquarters, the BBC reports.

Ms Sturgeon claimed to have no prior knowledge of the police’s plans. Mr Yousaf said his party would continue to cooperate with authorities.

Mr Murrell resigned last month after admitting to misleading statements about party membership decline. The party’s 2021 accounts, which were published on 16 August 2022, revealed a loan of over £100,000 from Mr Murrell to help the SNP with cash flow.

Total income was reported as £4.5 million and total expenditure was £5.2m. The party’s assets were recorded at £1.6m and liabilities were £1m.

Share icon
Share this article: