SNP MP Natalie McGarry investigated by police over 'missing donations'

Campaign fund reported discrepancies between donations and expenditure after concerns were raised during summer

Natalie McGarry is the MP for Glasgow East (Getty)

An SNP MP is being investigated by police over “missing donations” worth tens of thousands of pounds connected to a campaign fund for Scottish independence.

Natalie McGarry, MP for Glasgow East, has been named as the politician at the centre of the inquiry. Her solicitor said she denies any wrongdoing and that she is ready to meet police if required.

Women for Independence (WFI), which Ms McGarry and others founded in 2012, reported discrepancies between donations made to the organisation and its expenditure after concerns were first raised during the summer. It has continued campaigning after playing a leading role in last year’s referendum on Scottish independence.

The WFI said the discrepancies occurred between 2014 and its formal constitution as an organisation in March 2015. It said “robust and transparent controls” are now in place to protect any new donations.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We can confirm a report has been received and the matter is currently under investigation.”

A statement issued by Ms McGarry’s solicitor said: “It would be inappropriate to make any further comment until the conclusion of that inquiry, other than to state that she is certain that there has been no wrongdoing on her part.”

Opposition parties called for her to be suspended.

An SNP spokeswoman said: “The SNP are aware of reported discrepancies in the accounts of Women for Independence. However we have yet to see the detail behind these claims.”