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Kemi Badenoch says the SNP cannot be trusted with Scots' money after the £11,000 taxpayer-funded artist row

From the Newshound archive · first published 18 October 2026.

Kemi Badenoch says the SNP cannot be trusted with Scots' money after the £11,000 taxpayer-funded artist row

Finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad used £11,000 of public cash on a personal artist, and Badenoch says that rules her out of running Scotland's books. 'She can't manage the finances in her own office,' the Tory leader said. Speaking on a two-day Scottish visit as the SNP conference closed, she also attacked plans to spend millions on new overseas 'embassies'.

Badenoch also cited Peter Murrell's embezzlement of £400,000 from SNP members.

She accused the SNP of talking 'endlessly' about breaking up Britain while public services struggle.

MoreDaily Mail NewsTory leader Kemi Badenoch: The SNP can't be trusted with YOUR moneyEvening StandardSomerville refuses to commit to devolving new powers to Scottish councilsDaily RecordMSPs should prioritise ­petitions from Scots which could make a real differenceThe HeraldSNP local government reform faces Edinburgh referendum challenge
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