Thomson in clear
SNP wish ex-MP well after Crown say she won’t face criminal proceedings over fraud allegations
EX-MP Michelle Thomson will not face criminal proceedings over mortgage fraud allegations.
Yesterday, nearly two years after police inquiries began, the Crown Office said there was an “absence” of credible evidence.
Thomson, 52 was elected SNP MP for Edinburgh West in 2015 but left the party after the claims. She did not stand in the June snap election.
Thomson was one of five people named in a police report to prosecutors last year.
She denied any wrongdoing and last night she said: “I received news from the Crown Office that confirmed I have been completely exonerated by the police investigation into a solicitor I used in 2010.
“I am eternally grateful to my SNP colleagues in Westminster who supported me so strongly throughout this time.
“I also thank Police Scotland and the Crown Office for their courtesy and professionalism.
“I thank my friends and supporters who gave me constant encouragement throughout and, above all, I am indebted to my family and acknowledge that the past two years have been very difficult for them too.
“I made clear before I entered politics that I wished to use my skills, drive and experience to help shape a better Scotland.
“That desire remains as strong as when I became very involved in the 2014 independence referendum.
“However, for the time being this will need to take a different form. I now intend to take a few days to consider my next steps.”
The investigation centred on alleged irregularities with property deals carried out on behalf of Thomson. She was linked to transactions involving Christopher Hales, a solicitor who was later struck off for professional misconduct.
Last September, it emerged that the SNP’s ruling executive were under pressure from the party’s Westminster group to reinstate Thomson.
They said she was a loyal MP and had been denied justice.
An SNP spokesman said yesterday: “Ms Thomson took a dignified approach during the investigation. She’ll be relieved to put this affair behind her and we wish her well for the future.”