Humza Yousaf denies SNP face bankruptcy and promises 'transparency review'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Humza Yousaf has denied the SNP faces bankruptcy as he confirmed forensic auditors could be appointed following a meeting of the party's ruling body.Speaking to reporters shortly after the SNP's National Executive Council (NEC) met, the First Minister said the body agreed to hold a governance and transparency review.The review comes as police investigate the party's finances in a probe which has involved former chief executive Peter Murrell being arrested then released without charge.Mr Yousaf said the NEC meeting had been "positive" and there were no resignations.Questioned on speculation the party could be bankrupt, he said it is "solvent" and bankruptcy had not been discussed at the NEC.He said: "We're not close to bankruptcy.

This is something I've read in some social media circles but, no, the party is solvent."Questioned on the review, he said: "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."He said an interim report on the review is expected in June, with a full report due in autumn and the latter will be made public.Mr Yousaf said the party is "desperate" to appoint auditors.

Last week it emerged he was unaware before becoming leader that the previous auditors resigned more than six months ago.He added: "I'm not concerned about what they might find.

I'm concerned about the fact that, from my perspective, we could improve our governance and our transparency and I'm concerned about the fact that in six months we haven't been able to find auditors."Mr Yousaf was speaking at a campaign event in