Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil is asking prosecutors to pause their probe into SNP finances – fearing it will derail their election campaign.
He’s written to Crown Office asking if any further announcements relating to the fraud investigation can be held until after the vote on July 4.
And he claimed to have concerns about how it will affect the election hopes of his former colleagues.
Outspoken Western Isles MP MacNeil, who previously represented the SNP, said: “I am writing to seek clarity because of the potential political hand grenade of more possible charges resulting from this investigation.
“It has the huge potential to change the narrative of this campaign. Will the Crown Office hold off until after July 4 as a result?
“I am quite concerned for SNP friends on the mainland. Because I am no longer a SNP MP I can solicit the information that they perhaps can’t ask for.
“I am doing a favour for those campaigns that could get blown off course if any more charges – or indeed any prosecutions – are brought during the election period.”
MacNeill fell out with SNP bosses last year over voting rows, was eventually kicked out the party and now plans to stand as an independent at the General Election.
The day after the election date was announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Police Scotland announced they had submitted their reporter to Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal.
It is up them the to decide what further action will be taken which could include court proceedings.
Former party chief executive Peter Murrell, husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was charged with embezzling party funds.
Ex first minister Sturgeon and former party treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested last year, questioned by police and released without charge pending further investigations.
A police spokesman said: “Investigations continue and we are unable to comment further.”
The Sunday Mail has previously revealed that more charges are expected as part of the investigation.
Officers are investigating the funding and finances of the party as part of Operation Branchform.
There were questions about more than £660,000 raised for a second Scottish independence referendum campaign.
The probe has involved detectives seizing a £100,000 motorhome.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “All Scotland’s prosecutors act independently of political interference.
“As is routine, to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, we do not comment in detail on their conduct.”
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