The Scottish National Party (SNP) has appointed MP Stuart McDonald as its new treasurer following the resignation of Colin Beattie on Wednesday.

Mr Beattie stepped down after he was arrested in reference to an investigation into the get together's funds.

He was subsequently launched with out cost pending additional enquiries.

His arrest got here after the get together's former chief govt Peter Murrell - who's married to the previous first minister Nicola Sturgeon - was additionally arrested and questioned earlier than being launched with out cost.

The police are trying into how greater than £600,000 in donations to the get together put aside for an independence referendum was used.

Mr McDonald represents Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch for the SNP at Westminster.

He has held a number of positions for the get together, and is presently their justice and immigration spokesman.

The 44-year-old stated: "While it is a difficult and challenging time, I look forward to getting on with the job of national treasurer to help take forward the important work being led by our new party leader, Humza Yousaf, to improve the SNP's governance and transparency.

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"I've no hesitation in stepping forward when asked to do my part in keeping our party firmly on a campaign footing as the case for Scottish independence becomes more compelling that ever."

The new treasurer has loads to deal with, together with appointing auditors for the get together after the agency Johnston Carmichael resigned in September.

The get together's accounts have to be filed to the Electoral Commission in July.

Scottish Labour deputy chief Jackie Baillie stated: "Stuart McDonald faces an uphill battle dealing with an SNP high command that clearly don't think the rules apply to them.

"Despite the SNP's ongoing disaster it has proven no willingness to alter.

"It has failed to suspend senior figures embroiled in a police investigation, and its culture of cover-up and secrecy remain in overdrive.

"This conceited and sleaze-ridden get together wants to begin working with some much-needed transparency and consistency, however I will not maintain my breath."

Content Source: information.sky.com