Dundee MP detained by police
Probe focuses on 2014 referendum fundraising campaign that included national tour in vintage fire engine
Independence campaign group. Fellow MP Michelle Thomson is at the centre of a police investigation over property deals carried out by her lawyer who was struck off for misconduct.
Both women resigned the party whip as soon as criminal probes were launched, and were then suspended from the party. However, it is believed Mr Law has chosen not to resign, and will not be forced to do so as he is ‘confident’ the matter will be cleared up quickly.
Last night, a source close to Mr Law said: ‘Chris attended the police station on Wednesday morning and provided information in relation to a matter under investigation. He has agreed to provide the police with further information and is confident the matter will be resolved.’
It is understood that the investigation will focus on his pro-independence campaign, but that it is not to do with missing funds or the level of spending. After being questioned at a Dundee police station, Mr Law was allowed to leave with no arrest or charge. However, the investigation is ongoing.
A police spokesman said: ‘Police Scotland can confirm that a 46-year-old man had been detained and was released pending further inquiry.’
Yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was aware of the investigation, adding: ‘Chris, as I understand it, yesterday [Wednesday] attended the police station and he provided information to the police relating to a matter that they are investigating.
‘He has agreed to provide them with further information. He has not been charged with any offence and he is confident that he will be able to resolve this matter, and hopefully do so quickly, so now we have to let the process take its course.
‘He is confident that this matter can be resolved and I think we should let that process take its course.’
Asked why Mr Law was not resigning the party whip like former colleagues Mrs Thomson and McGarry, the First Minister said: ‘Michelle and Natalie took the decision to resign the whip.
‘Chris’s position is that he is of the view, and he is confident of the view that when he provides the further information to the police, as he has agreed to do, then he will resolve the matter, so I think at this stage that process should be allowed to take its course.’
Mr Law lives in a £228,000 property in Dundee’s West End. According to his register of interests, the company CMAL, of which he is director, has a property in Aberdeen ‘worth more than £100,000 or has a rental value of more than £10,000 a year’.
A self-confessed ‘petrolhead’, he owns a number of cars including a 4x4 and an Aston Martin which has the number 007 and Union flags on the bodywork.
The police investigation follows on from those into Mrs Thomson and McGarry. Following the arrest of McGarry earlier this week, it was last night revealed that a police report into fraud allegations has been sent to the Crown Office.
It is understood the alleged offences are linked to her involvement with the group Women for Independence, which was set up ahead of the 2014 referendum, and with the SNP’s Glasgow Regional Association.
The Crown Office confirmed it has received a police report covering alleged incidents between March 2013 and August 2016, and it is now under consideration by the procurator fiscal. The amount of money allegedly involved is a five-figure sum, according to sources.
The MP has previously insisted there has been ‘no wrongdoing’ on her part.
Last night, Miss Sturgeon said: ‘The charges against Natalie McGarry are serious criminal charges. They now have to be dealt with in a court of law and since that matter is now subject of criminal charges it would be completely inappropriate for me to say anything else about it.’
She was also asked if Mrs Thomson is likely to be allowed back into the SNP. It is understood a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee this weekend may discuss the issue.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘Michelle Thomson is not in the SNP at the moment and that remains the position. The NEC will consider what matters it chooses to consider, but Michelle Thomson is not in the SNP.’