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David Maddox, Political Editor
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David Maddox, Political Editor
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Questions mount over Murrell scandal fallout |
The Peter Murrell scandal in Scotland has dominated headlines today, with growing demands for an inquiry into the activities of the former chief executive of the SNP and his estranged wife, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Prime minister Keir Starmer, along with senior SNP figures Joanne Cherry, Joan McAlpine and Michelle Thomson, have been among those demanding an independent inquiry, as it emerged Ms Sturgeon gave a “no comment” interview to Police Scotland during their investigation into Murrell.
Mr Murrell pleaded guilty at Edinburgh High Court on Monday to embezzling £400,000, purchasing items such as a luxury motorhome, as well as spending thousands on salt and pepper shakers and a coffee machine.
Now questions have turned to what Ms Sturgeon knew, with Ms Cherry pointing out that she was one of the signatories to the accounts and tried to slap down an investigation by party members before the police became involved.
Sir Keir said: “I think anybody looking at what’s happening up in Scotland will be baffled that those at the top of the SNP say they didn’t know anything about what was going on, so clearly there are questions that need to be answered.”
Ms Cherry suggested Ms Sturgeon showed “a remarkable lack of curiosity” over her estranged husband’s spending.
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As the Reform UK leader faces possible sanctions over a £5m ‘personal’ donation, it would take only an unfortunate turn of events for him to be ejected from the Commons, says Sonia Sodha.
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What else you need to know |
- A civil war has broken out in Reform UK over a major disagreement on its flagship “mass deportation” policy for foreign nationals
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Wes Streeting has likened tech companies to the tobacco industry as he called for a social media ban for under-16s
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How did Nicola Sturgeon not notice her husband’s crimes against good taste? Hundreds of thousands of pounds embezzled from the SNP by Peter Murrell were frittered away on gaudy fountain pens, expensive watches, state-of-the-art espresso machines and miscellaneous designer tat and clutter, says Sean O’Grady
- Jess Phillips has said Sir Keir Starmer will likely still be ousted from No 10 even if Andy Burnham is unable to return to parliament to challenge him
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Andy Burnham’s U-turns confirm he is unready for No 10 |
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John Rentoul, Chief Political Commentator
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John Rentoul, Chief Political Commentator
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I wrote at the weekend about the mayor of Greater Manchester’s lack of preparedness for the national political stage, after a skid-pan display of U-turns.
Partly this may be because he didn’t expect to fight such a Reform-minded seat to get back to the Commons, so he has had to disown his desire to rejoin the EU. But partly I think it is that he failed to think through some of the obvious challenges that were bound to face him if he tried to get to No 10.
Read it all here. |
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For the best insider stories and behind-the-scenes gossip from Westminster, sign up for my weekly Commons Confidential newsletter, available exclusively to Independent Premium subscribers. |
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EU could fast-track Britain’s membership if UK decided to reverse Brexit |
Rejoining the EU could take place much more quickly for the UK than it typically would for other candidate countries, as a result of pre-existing alignment with the bloc.
Here’s what you had to say:
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There is no chance of the UK joining the Euro, not for a long time, and that would need to be its own referendum after a much-needed EU membership referendum. The decision is too big for any one party.
Theframe
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The EU might dangle a possible negotiation over joining the euro zone right away as bait now, but Brussels has made clear that if Britain does indeed rejoin, we cannot expect full access without it. That loss of independent monetary policy is the single biggest issue.
OpBarras
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“The business world is fast-moving, ever-changing and highly complex. Fortunately, by subscribing to Independent Premium, you will receive my columns in which, drawing on my long experience as a City editor and business writer, and my knowledge of many of the characters, companies and institutions involved, I make sense of it all for you. I focus on the important stuff, what is really going on, what it actually means. Do sign up and have a read - and please, let me have your feedback and ideas”
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Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest |
Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson discuss the two frontrunners for Westminster’s most coveted job, how Wes might have messed up his chances already, and whether Burnham can bring some of his Manchester magic down south.
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Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest |
Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson discuss the two frontrunners for Westminster’s most coveted job, how Wes might have messed up his chances already, and whether Burnham can bring some of his Manchester magic down south. |
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Latest news headlines from Bulletin: |
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