MPs have begun a preliminary probe of Peter Murrell’s ‘epic crime spree’ ahead of the former SNP chief executive’s sentencing next week.

The estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon faces sentencing on Tuesday for embezzling more than £400,000 of SNP funds.

MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee have written to authorities at the Commons to ask how much short money – public cash given to opposition parties to help them fulfil their duties – was given to the SNP from 2010 to 2022, the period of Murrell’s crimes.

They also want to know what ‘safeguards’ were in place to prevent its ‘misuse’. 

Shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie said: ‘It is extremely welcome that the Scottish Affairs Committee have taken these steps after John Swinney and his little Green helpers blocked any inquiry taking place at Holyrood into this SNP scandal.

‘We still have no idea whether crooked Murrell stole taxpayers’ money alongside the huge sum he swindled from SNP donors.

‘It is crucial that the Electoral Commission in particular look into that possibility and provide clarity to the public.

'The case for Westminster to hold an inquiry remains overwhelming to find out what key figures like Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon knew and when.’

Committee chairman Patricia Ferguson raised the issue with Clerk of the House Tom Goldsmith, with the same letter also sent to Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

An Electoral Commission spokesman said: ‘We have received a letter from the Scottish Affairs Committee and will respond in due course.’ 

A Commons spokesman said: ‘We don’t comment on correspondence.’