THE arrested MSP Colin Beattie has quit as the SNP’s treasurer, thrusting Humza Yousaf into the role amid a live police investigation into the party's finances.

Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie said he was stepping back “with immediate effect” after informing the First Minister and SNP leader. 

He also resigned from Holyrood’s public audit committee.

He said the decision had “not been easy” but he did not want to be a distraction.

He said he would continue to cooperate fully with Police Scotland.

The 71-year-old Midlothian North & Musselburgh MSP remains deputy convener of Holyrood’s economy and fair work committee for now.

Although intended to help Mr Yousaf, his exit potentially creates a problem for the First Minister.

Under the SNP's Constitution and Electoral Commission rules, the party leader automatically becomes treasurer until a permanent replacement is appointed.

East Lothian Courier:

That removes any firewall between Mr Yousaf and the party's books amid a live police investigation. 

When the MP Douglas Chapman resigned as SNP treasurer in 2021, Nicola Sturgeon automatically became treasurer for three days until Mr Beattie took over. 

Mr Beattie, who had been SNP treasurer almost continuously since 2004, was arrested as a suspect and quizzed by detectives investigating the party’s finances on Tuesday. 

He was later released without charge pending further investigation.

Officers have been investigating since July 2021 whether £660,000 raised by the SNP specifically for a second independence referendum was spent on other things.

Mr Beattie had repeatedly reassured SNP members about the party’s accounts, saying money raised were “woven through” them despite less being held in cash at the bank.

After Mr Beattie’s arrest, Mr Yousaf rejected opposition calls to suspend him, saying a person was innocent until proven guilty, although he might act if Mr Beattie was charged. 

But when Mr Beattie missed his first Holyrood duty since his arrest - he skipped today’s economy committee - it raised questions about his ability to carry on as before. 

It also appeared untenable that Mr Beattie, who literally signs the SNP’s accounts each year, could continue as treasurer while the subject of a live police investigation.

In a statement released, Mr Beattie said: “This afternoon I informed the party leader that I will be stepping back from my role as SNP National Treasurer with immediate effect.

“I have also informed the SNP Chief Whip at Holyrood that I will be stepping back from my role on the Public Audit Committee until the Police investigation has concluded.

“On a personal level, this decision has not been easy, but it is the right decision to avoid further distraction to the important work being led by Humza Yousaf to improve the SNP’s governance and transparency.

“I will continue to cooperate fully with Police Scotland’s enquiries and it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on a live case."