BEATTIE QUITS

SNP's long-standing treasurer steps back from his duties a day after being nicked in money probe

- PAUL HUTCHEON

THE First Minister has been forced to take charge of the SNP's finances after its treasurer quit following his arrest during a police probe into party finances.

Humza Yousaf stepped in yesterday to replace Colin Beattie as the police investigation into the crisis in the SNP deepened.

Yousaf - First Minister for barely three weeks since Nicola Sturgeon quit - was branded "a lame duck" by Scottish Labour as he battled to restore order to a party once famed for its discipline and unity.

The SNP has been badly shaken by the Police Scotland investigation into how more than £600,000 in donations to the SNP for IndyRef2 has been spent.

Beattie, the MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, was questioned by detectives on Tuesday. Police later said he had been released without charge pending further investigation.

The 71-year-old, the SNP's longstanding treasurer, said he would also "step back" from Holyrood's public audit committee.

He added: "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 inquiries and it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on a live case.

Yousaf thanked Beattie for his service as treasurer and said he wanted a replacement to be appointed quickly.