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

Letting Agent Talk

Section 21 reform divides landlords and tenants

Five months after Section 21 was abolished, landlords and tenants remain sharply divided over whether the reform was necessary, but both sides agree that good relationships and clear communication have the greatest influence on how secure a renter feels, according to new research from LRG. The Autumn 2026 Lettings Report, based on responses from 405…
Read More →
to let sign 2025
Breaking News

70% of landlords anticipate rent rise due to Autumn Budget

As landlord exodus threatens rental supply The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that 70% of UK landlords are considering increasing rents following the Government’s latest property income tax changes, while almost half are considering selling properties or reducing their portfolios, raising concerns about the future availability and affordability of privately rented homes. LegalforLandlords commissioned…
Read More →
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

Estate agent earnings fails to keep pace with inflation

Estate agency earnings have failed to keep pace with inflation over the last decade, despite more positive growth in recent years, according to the latest industry analysis from eXp UK, highlighting why more agents may be looking towards the self-employed model to maximise their earning potential. eXp UK analysed Office for National Statistics (ONS) data…
Read More →
Breaking News

Southern landlords face up to £22,000 tax hit

Landlords in the South East could pay more than £22,000 extra tax over 25 years, with those in the South West facing more than £19,000 Property income tax hike squeezes a generation that has turned to bricks and mortar to fund retirement Retirees across the South of England who rely on property to supplement their…
Read More →
Breaking News

Corporate landlords cautiously optimistic after first six months of RRA

Impact of Renters’ Rights Act not as bad as feared for professional investors More than four in five (82%) corporate landlords looking to expand Analysis of data from LRG’s Living Markets division reveals that after six months in force, the Renters’ Rights Act is yet to have any significant negative impact on the corporate landlords…
Read More →
Breaking News

Property market has failed to meet expectations

Two-thirds of developers say property market has failed to meet expectations as Autumn Budget fails to boost confidence Jonathan Samuels, CEO of specialist lender, Octane Capital, believes that the Autumn Budget has done little to restore confidence across the UK development sector, with the firm’s latest industry insight revealing that 67% of developers feel property…
Read More →