Former Labour First Minister Jack McConnell has called for a joint inquiry by the UK and Scottish parliaments into financial crimes committed by Peter Murrell, ex-SNP chief executive and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon.Murrell admitted embezzling over £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period.McConnell argued that a joint investigation would avoid perceptions of either a cover-up by Holyrood or a political attack by Westminster.

He suggested the inquiry examine the relationship between Scotland's prosecution service and government, as well as potential misuse of public funds and the need for improved safeguards for small political donors.

Concerns have been raised over Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain sharing information about Murrell's charges with First Minister John Swinney months before the public announcement.

Sturgeon and Swinney have denied any involvement or knowledge of Murrell's wrongdoing, emphasising that the police investigation was thorough and independent.

Critics point to past resignations within the SNP over transparency issues, while Sturgeon insists that the party accounts showed no signs of wrongdoing.

The call for an inquiry remains contentious, with practical implementation unclear given the lack of precedent for a joint parliamentary investigation in Scotland.Murrell is expected to be sentenced later this month.