Russell Findlay has today written to John Swinney demanding he comes clean on what he knew and when in the case of an SNP candidate who quit over claims of benefit fraud.
The SNP leader claimed at FMQs on Thursday that he only became aware this week that Sally Donald was being investigated over Adult Disability Payment (ADP) claims this week, following a press inquiry.
This is despite an SNP insider telling The Scotsman that Donald “had been open with others in the party about the investigation into her finances”, which began after a complaint was made to Social Security Scotland (SSS) in September 2025.
Today’s Scotsman is reporting that Donald has been asked to repay £19,000 by SSS, which lacks the power to compel repayments.
In his letter, Findlay also urges Swinney to rip up the SNP’s ‘chancer’s charter’ benefits system, and back Scottish Conservative plans to crack down on benefit fraud.
Figures obtained by the party show that just three people have been convicted of benefit fraud in Scotland since 2022, despite there being almost one million Scottish claimants and the annual welfare bill standing at £7 billion and rising.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “John Swinney says he first found out about the investigation into Sally Donald’s benefit claims from the media – but then did a runner when the media tried to ask him legitimate questions.
“Was he aware that she was claiming substantial benefits while parading her busy lifestyle as an SNP star candidate all over social media? He needs to come clean.
“The rot runs much deeper than just one SNP candidate because John Swinney’s light-touch system has resulted in the effective decriminalisation of benefit fraud in Scotland.
“Going into the critical Holyrood election, only the Scottish Conservatives are being honest with the public about the SNP’s out-of-control benefits spending.
“We’ve set out common-sense plans to address soaring numbers of ADP mental health claims while protecting benefits for those in genuine need.
“The SNP’s charter for chancers must be replaced with a system that’s fair to everyone, especially hard-pressed taxpayers.”
Notes to editors
A copy of Russell Findlay’s letter to John Swinney is attached.
Scotsman story: https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/gravy-bus-ex-snp-candidate-sally-donald-told-to-repay-ps20000-in-benefits-5622020
The SNP’s benefits agency can only request voluntary repayments from those who have received benefits they weren’t entitled to. Social Security Scotland admit: ‘Currently, debt recovery is limited to voluntary repayment arrangements. Similarly, provisions to recover debt through the Sheriff Court system are not yet in place.’ (Social Security Scotland Accounts 2024-25, 18 November 2025, link).
Just three convictions for fraud-related offences have been recorded under the SNP’s benefits system. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was asked how many people had been convicted of fraud-related offences under sections 71 and 72 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 introduced by the SNP Government. They confirmed just three people had been convicted of such offences since 2022-23 (COPFS FOI, 13 February 2025, available on request).
The Scottish Conservatives would introduce a new assessment process for anyone wishing to claim ADP due to a mental health disorder. Currently, applicants are not even required to have a diagnosis for their condition. Our new assessment process would make a formal diagnosis from a medical professional a requirement if someone is seeking to claim Adult Disability Payment for their mental health condition. Our new assessment would also include a section that requires applicants to provide evidence of the type of the unavoidable costs they have to face due to their mental health condition. (A fairer benefits system for Scotland, January 2026, link).