More finger pointing…

It was only recently that SNP business spokewoman Michelle Thomson was suspended from the party after it emerged that police were investigating allegations that her property dealings potentially involved mortgage fraud, she reportedly said that she was looking forward to being cleared of any wrong doing and pledged to co-operate with the Police Scotland probe.

Police sources emphasised that Ms Thomson was not currently subject of an investigation personally, her solicitor, Christopher Hales, was reportedly struck off following his role in 13 deals closely related to Ms Thomson in 2010 and 2011, after he failed to provide key information to mortgage providers which is required as a safeguard against fraud.

The First Minister Nichola Sturgeon immediately faced questions over whether she knew about her MP’s background before she was approved as an SNP candidate. Miss Thomson reportedly built a portfolio of properties worth around £1.7 million, often by negotiating cut-price deals with homeowners.

A police probe was launched on the instructions of the Crown Office after the findings of the tribunal were formally passed on in July.
Following on from the above there is now another issue which has surfaced concerning the SNP which has been described as “a hugely serious one” and demands full investigation. The SNP’s chief executive, Peter Murrell, has been reported to the Electoral Com­mission over claims that he tried to gain an unfair advantage for the “Yes” campaign ahead of the crucial vote last year.

The claims centre on suggestions that Ms Sturgeon’s husband was helping a group called Business for Scotland (BFS), a pro-independence group headed by under-fire SNP MP, Michelle Thomson.

Anyone officially involved in the referendum had to formally register with the Electoral Commission which then set limits on how much they could spend, while also barring individual groups from working together.

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

England tightens planning rules to save local pubs

Turning pubs into housing or offices will be made harder as part of changes to government planning rules in England. Under the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), anyone seeking to change the use of a beloved local venue must now provide strict proof that the business cannot survive, including evidence that it has been…
Read More
Breaking News

UK modern method auction house sales up nearly 15%

UK house sales via modern method auctions increase nearly 15% year-on-year New data from leading estate and lettings agency network shows growing appetite for modern method auctions, with completion times 43% quicker on average versus traditional methods Modern method auction (MMoA) sales are gaining ground in the UK housing market. New data from Lomond, the UK’s leading network of lettings and sales…
Read More
Breaking News

London’s garden squares commanding huge market premiums

The latest research by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that homes surrounding some of Prime London’s most prestigious garden squares continue to command huge values even in cooler market conditions, with buyers paying property premiums as high as 175% compared to the wider borough. Wilton Crescent Garden, located on the…
Read More
Breaking News

Full Steam Ahead to Fast-Track More Homes Near Stations

Thousands of quality homes to be built closer to stations, cutting commute times and helping families live closer to work, school and transport New planning rules will fast-track building quality homes near transport hubs in England Part of the biggest rewrite of planning rules in over a decade to build homes faster, drive good growth, unlock investment, jobs and education opportunities   Thousands of new homes will be built around England’s train, tram and underground stations under new planning…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 17/8/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   New regional property roadshow to generate conversations with vendors, buyers and homeowners   Fine & Country West Wales, in partnership with Homes of Wales, is launching a new regional property roadshow designed to generate conversations with vendors, buyers and homeowners whose moving plans have…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Largest August price drop since 2018 despite mini Burnham bounce in demand

Average newly-listed asking prices drop by 2.0% (-£7,360) this month to £364,999, a much larger than usual August drop: Many summer sellers slash their price expectations in reaction to the quieter holiday period and 12-year high number of homes for sale at this time of year Average prices are now 1.0% lower than a year…
Read More