Labour calls for SNP to ensure race to find Nicola Sturgeon successor is free from 'corruption'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scottish Labour has warned that "murky internal politics" cannot be allowed to derail the race to find the next First Minister.Jackie Baillie has written to SNP chief executive Peter Murrell to ask several questions about the voting process the party will use to elect a replacement for Nicola Sturgeon.The Scottish Labour deputy leader claimed the Nationalists had a "long track record of secrecy and cover-up" which raised questions about their "ability to conduct this race fairly and honestly".SNP members will be able to vote for a new leader from next week with the winner due to be announced by the end of the month.Ash Regan, one of three candidates standing in the race, previously claimed it was a "clear conflict of interest" that Murrell, husband of Sturgeon, will oversee the race.The ballot of SNP members is being carried out by Mi-Voice, an electoral services specialist, with most of the voting done online.Baillie asked in her letter if Murrell would "excuse himself from the process entirely."The Labour MSP also asked the SNP if the voting system matched the standards legally required of Trade Union ballots and if the results would "be published in full."Baillie said: "The SNP are not just electing their next party leader – they are choosing the next First Minister of Scotland, and we cannot let their murky internal politics derail this process."Their long track record of secrecy and cover-up raises questions about their ability to conduct this race fairly and honestly."If anyone is expected to believe the SNP can govern with integrity and openness, then these principles must be at the heart of this race."The SNP must respond to these serious questions and protect against corruption in this race."The Record has asked