SNP under investigation for using parliamentary stamps for general election campaign

John Swinney (centre) with former leaders Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon at the center of another SNP row. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA < iframe id="bc72b371-0215-4d99-b27b-4223678de837" src="https://cf-particle-html.eip.telegraph.co.uk/bc72b371-0215-4d99-b27b- 4223678de837.html?direct=true&id =bc72b371-0215-4d99-b27b-4223678de837&template=articleRendererHTML" class="tmg-particle Sticky-nav wrp-bc72b371-0215-4d99-b27b-4223678de837" title ="General Election" data-business -type="editorial" loading="eager" scroll="none" frameborder="0" allow="web-share" style="width: 100%; min-width: 100%; border: none; position: relative; display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">

Holyrood is investigating the cash-strapped SNP over allegations that parliamentary stamps were used in its general election campaign .

The Scottish Parliament confirmed it was investigating a complaint that SNP staff were using taxpayer-funded stamps «for election activities such as sending targeted letters to hard-to-reach addresses.»

The complaint contained screenshots of a WhatsApp group called «chat office» -manager,” which appeared to have a timer to automatically delete messages.

In excerpts from the conversation revealed by The Times, an employee named Pavel posted a message that read: “New brands, guys. Can they be tracked?

A colleague working in Nicola Sturgeon's office asked if he meant «who bought them and what are they used for». Paul replied: «Can we trace who bought them?»

A staff member in SNP deputy leader Keith Brown's office said she «asked Rab at the Post Office and he said no.» Another employee said they didn't know the stamps could be tracked.

A colleague working for Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Commons secretary, responded: «If they can, then a few people could appear before the [ruling Holyrood] body corporate…»

Although MPs are allowed to spend up to £5,500 per year on postage and stationery, Holyrood rules state that they «shall only be used for the performance of parliamentary duties and shall not be used for any other purpose, including party political purposes.»

The SNP is struggling to raise money in the shadow of an ongoing police investigation into the party's finances. Peter Murrell, the former party leader and Ms Sturgeon's husband, has been charged with embezzlement.

In an email to Alison Johnston, chair of Holyrood, the complainant said: “I am anonymously sharing a screenshot from a WhatsApp group chat of SNP office managers as I have concerns that some MSPs are using stamps paid for by Scottish Parliament expenses to convey election candidates to the UK Parliament to engage in election activities such as sending targeted letters to hard-to-reach addresses.

“I am concerned about this open discussion involving the offices of several members.”

A spokesman for the SNP group Holyrood said : “Parliamentary rules make it abundantly clear that materials, including stamps, may only be used for parliamentary purposes, such as representing and campaigning on behalf of constituents.”

«These exchanges, while clearly light-hearted, are being investigated properly and we expect the offices of MPs of all parties to co-operate with the parliamentary body corporate.»

A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: «We will take public resources very seriously . Officials are investigating the matter to determine whether there was any misuse of parliamentary resources.»