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

can you drink tap water
Letting Agent Talk

What tenants really want from a HMO in 2026

By Allison Thompson, Chief Lettings Officer, Leaders part of LRG   Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), also referred to as multi-lets or room rentals, have come a long way in the past couple of decades. Once thought of as very much at the bottom of the accommodation pile, with a reputation for being sub-standard, many…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Rethinking Property Transactions Starts with Communication

By Cara Stanbridge, Head of Relationship Management at Nova Legal   Across the UK property market, transactions are in turmoil. Ongoing economic pressures are impacting house prices, mortgage deals, and overall demand, reflecting the uncertainty nationwide. In fact, a recent study found that for those who are taking the plunge to buy or sell this year,…
Read More
Breaking News

B2L mortgage costs climb 64% in a decade

The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that the average monthly cost of a buy-to-let mortgage has climbed by as much as 64% over the last decade, as landlords continue to face mounting financial pressure alongside sweeping reforms introduced via the Renters’ Rights Act.   Benham and Reeves…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 13/5/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Renters’ Rights Act: What Estate Agents Need to Understand About the Tenant Impact   Author Andrew Stanton Editor EAN   The Renters’ Rights Act represents the biggest structural shift to the private rented sector in decades, and while much of the conversation has focused…
Read More
Breaking News

First-time buyers bear the brunt of mortgage mayhem

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals that despite mortgage turmoil easing in April, first-time buyers remain under pressure from reduced choice and stretched affordability. Mortgage product choice has contracted by around 10% since the start of March, with higher loan-to-value deals (10% or less deposit or equity) falling by 14%, a blow to…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 12/5/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Commercial real estate is entering a new era powered by artificial intelligence CRE is now powered by artificial intelligence, automation, smart data, and digital-first workflows. For decades, the industry relied heavily on spreadsheets, disconnected systems, and manual administration. Today, technology is becoming central to…
Read More