Like many other right-minded Scots, I was delighted to learn that the SNP is to discuss its future governance following the Peter Murrell embezzlement case. The Herald revealed this week that a motion about “building party capacity” has been submitted for a private debate at next month’s annual conference.

The motion states: “Conference recognises and welcomes that the Scottish National Party has done much to strengthen governance and improve party unity under the leadership of party leader and First Minister John Swinney.

“There are, however, further ways to improve how we operate and to make us a stronger and more cohesive party, able to respond to internal and external pressures.”

The SNP had previously blocked the prospect of any independent inquiry into how its long-standing chief executive had stolen more than £400,000 of party funds to purchase thousands of luxury household goods and high-performance motor vehicles. And also how dozens of very intelligent people at the top of the party had understandably missed Mr Murrell’s activities over more than a decade, even when senior activists had begun asking questions.

Seriously, when will SNP members wake up to the big John Swinney 'Yes' swindle?

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And while some curmudgeons have cavilled at this governance debate being held in private, I can understand the need for caution and secrecy. If you start advertising your new, robust security arrangements to prevent future corruption on a grand scale, then you’ll be playing into the hands of those bad........

© Herald Scotland