SCOTTISH Labour has urged First Minister John Swinney to “do the right thing” and compensate SNP members whose money was stolen by Peter Murrell.

At a press conference held just hours after the former SNP chief executive admitted to embezzling over £400,000 from the party to lavish on luxury items for himself and the home he once shared with Nicola Sturgeon, a “gutted” Mr Swinney insisted there would be no refund to members and donors.

Pointing to his actions in his first stint as SNP leader, however, Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie demanded a rethink.

“He was the leader of the SNP who appointed Murrell to the role of chief executive back in 2001. The idea that he has no part in this murky affair is laughable,” she said.

“Swinney should do the right thing and provide compensation to all those who handed over their money to the SNP. 

“If he fails to do so, the people of Scotland will see for themselves that the SNP simply cannot be trusted with their money.”