Juliet Swann
@muteswann.bsky.social
In Edinburgh | anti-corruption and political integrity | Scotland & Wales | for @transparencyuk.bsky.social | Co-chair of Open Government Partnership Scotland | she/her |
Slightly obsessed with Glen Powell
Slightly obsessed with Glen Powell
Hey @willhaycardiff.bsky.social - turns out you barely needed 6 days to be proved right, not 6 months! #Senedd #ReformUK
September 15, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Hey @willhaycardiff.bsky.social - turns out you barely needed 6 days to be proved right, not 6 months! #Senedd #ReformUK
Douglas Alexander has apologised for late declaration of a meeting with Global Counsel - as revealed by @transparencyuk.bsky.social and the PM has accepted his apology... assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a2939...
June 10, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Douglas Alexander has apologised for late declaration of a meeting with Global Counsel - as revealed by @transparencyuk.bsky.social and the PM has accepted his apology... assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a2939...
Corruption is a serious accusation but a word that often gets thrown around. TI rely on a precise definition: Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
Did Peter Murrell hold entrusted power? Did he abuse it?
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
@salmondsalmond.bsky.social
Did Peter Murrell hold entrusted power? Did he abuse it?
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
@salmondsalmond.bsky.social
Corruption, embezzlement and political party funds: the case of Peter Murrell
The conviction of former SNP CEO Peter Murrell for embezzlement has prompted calls for stronger oversight of political party finances. But does it constitute corruption?
www.transparency.org.uk
June 5, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Corruption is a serious accusation but a word that often gets thrown around. TI rely on a precise definition: Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
Did Peter Murrell hold entrusted power? Did he abuse it?
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
@salmondsalmond.bsky.social
Did Peter Murrell hold entrusted power? Did he abuse it?
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
@salmondsalmond.bsky.social
The Murrell case demonstrates we cannot be complacent about the risk of corruption happening here in Scotland.
@petergeoghegan.bsky.social
@severincarrell.bsky.social
@leaskyd.bsky.social
@kathleennutt.bsky.social
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
@petergeoghegan.bsky.social
@severincarrell.bsky.social
@leaskyd.bsky.social
@kathleennutt.bsky.social
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
Corruption, embezzlement and political party funds: the case of Peter Murrell
The conviction of former SNP CEO Peter Murrell for embezzlement has prompted calls for stronger oversight of political party finances. But does it constitute corruption?
www.transparency.org.uk
June 5, 2026 at 8:16 AM
The Murrell case demonstrates we cannot be complacent about the risk of corruption happening here in Scotland.
@petergeoghegan.bsky.social
@severincarrell.bsky.social
@leaskyd.bsky.social
@kathleennutt.bsky.social
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
@petergeoghegan.bsky.social
@severincarrell.bsky.social
@leaskyd.bsky.social
@kathleennutt.bsky.social
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
I spent some time this week applying some of my learning from a one-day course at the University of Sussex Centre for Corruption to the Murrell embezzlement case. Hopefully my analysis is interesting, useful and thought-provoking.
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
Corruption, embezzlement and political party funds: the case of Peter Murrell
The conviction of former SNP CEO Peter Murrell for embezzlement has prompted calls for stronger oversight of political party finances. But does it constitute corruption?
www.transparency.org.uk
June 4, 2026 at 4:38 PM
I spent some time this week applying some of my learning from a one-day course at the University of Sussex Centre for Corruption to the Murrell embezzlement case. Hopefully my analysis is interesting, useful and thought-provoking.
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
www.transparency.org.uk/news/corrupt...
Reposted by Juliet Swann
🗣️"The lesson from this saga should be that open government in the first place serves the public better than belated dumps of data long after the event."
@muteswann.bsky.social in the BBC on revelations Douglas Alexander failed to initially declare a meeting with Global Counsel.
More below ⤵
@muteswann.bsky.social in the BBC on revelations Douglas Alexander failed to initially declare a meeting with Global Counsel.
More below ⤵
SNP demand probe into Alexander meeting with Mandelson's firm
Newly-released files confirm Douglas Alexander met with Global Counsel in summer 2024 but it was not publicly declared until earlier this year.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 4, 2026 at 3:27 PM
🗣️"The lesson from this saga should be that open government in the first place serves the public better than belated dumps of data long after the event."
@muteswann.bsky.social in the BBC on revelations Douglas Alexander failed to initially declare a meeting with Global Counsel.
More below ⤵
@muteswann.bsky.social in the BBC on revelations Douglas Alexander failed to initially declare a meeting with Global Counsel.
More below ⤵
What prompted the update to the data? If the humble address revelations are a prompt then that suggests the meeting should have been recorded 18 months ago. Alexander's recollection of the meeting being 'enlightening' doesn't help explain why he forgot to declare it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
SNP demand probe into Alexander meeting with Mandelson's firm
Newly-released files confirm Douglas Alexander met with Global Counsel in summer 2024 but it was not publicly declared until earlier this year.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 3, 2026 at 9:02 PM
What prompted the update to the data? If the humble address revelations are a prompt then that suggests the meeting should have been recorded 18 months ago. Alexander's recollection of the meeting being 'enlightening' doesn't help explain why he forgot to declare it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Timeline: July 2024 - Douglas Alexander meets with Global Counsel as set up by Peter Mandelson. He tells Peter it was "the single most enlightening conversation I've had in the last month on trade". Feb 2025 - TI-UK downloads the DBT ministerial meetings data to update our Open Access portal.
June 3, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Timeline: July 2024 - Douglas Alexander meets with Global Counsel as set up by Peter Mandelson. He tells Peter it was "the single most enlightening conversation I've had in the last month on trade". Feb 2025 - TI-UK downloads the DBT ministerial meetings data to update our Open Access portal.
It's official, Scottish Labour have won!*
*The most pages in a manifesto competition with a whopping 98, with the Scottish Lib Dems and Scottish Conservatives coming joint second with 96.
*The most pages in a manifesto competition with a whopping 98, with the Scottish Lib Dems and Scottish Conservatives coming joint second with 96.
April 17, 2026 at 9:47 AM
It's official, Scottish Labour have won!*
*The most pages in a manifesto competition with a whopping 98, with the Scottish Lib Dems and Scottish Conservatives coming joint second with 96.
*The most pages in a manifesto competition with a whopping 98, with the Scottish Lib Dems and Scottish Conservatives coming joint second with 96.
Reposted by Juliet Swann
No10’s account is incredible.
I held Developed Vetting for nearly ten years and spent three years at the heart of the Cabinet Office. I have never heard of a Developed Vetting denial being overruled. Here’s why…🧵
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
I held Developed Vetting for nearly ten years and spent three years at the heart of the Cabinet Office. I have never heard of a Developed Vetting denial being overruled. Here’s why…🧵
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Revealed: Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision
Guardian investigation uncovers decision by UK security officials to deny clearance before Mandelson took up role as US ambassador
www.theguardian.com
April 16, 2026 at 9:05 PM
No10’s account is incredible.
I held Developed Vetting for nearly ten years and spent three years at the heart of the Cabinet Office. I have never heard of a Developed Vetting denial being overruled. Here’s why…🧵
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
I held Developed Vetting for nearly ten years and spent three years at the heart of the Cabinet Office. I have never heard of a Developed Vetting denial being overruled. Here’s why…🧵
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Hot take: It doesn't really matter who is telling the truth of Sarwar and Offord, conversations can always be interpreted by the participants. What does matter is that Offord is operating the chaos monkey playbook like a pro, distracting from attention to either party's actual policy proposals.
April 16, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Hot take: It doesn't really matter who is telling the truth of Sarwar and Offord, conversations can always be interpreted by the participants. What does matter is that Offord is operating the chaos monkey playbook like a pro, distracting from attention to either party's actual policy proposals.
Reposted by Juliet Swann
With enormous regret, SLAB is today advising supporters not to vote for ANY Scottish Labour candidate in this election. There are several pro-trans Labour candidates standing on 7 May, but a vote for them would now sadly be an endorsement of explicit transphobia. #NoVotesLabourInMay #TransRightsNow
April 13, 2026 at 1:38 PM
With enormous regret, SLAB is today advising supporters not to vote for ANY Scottish Labour candidate in this election. There are several pro-trans Labour candidates standing on 7 May, but a vote for them would now sadly be an endorsement of explicit transphobia. #NoVotesLabourInMay #TransRightsNow
Reposted by Juliet Swann
🎥 10 years ago, the Panama Papers exposed corruption to the world.
It uncovered billions of suspect funds moving through the global economy and how corrupt elites were hiding their stolen wealth.
Since then, progress has been made but the flow of dirty money remains.
🔗Full link in comments ⤵️
It uncovered billions of suspect funds moving through the global economy and how corrupt elites were hiding their stolen wealth.
Since then, progress has been made but the flow of dirty money remains.
🔗Full link in comments ⤵️
April 3, 2026 at 9:45 AM
🎥 10 years ago, the Panama Papers exposed corruption to the world.
It uncovered billions of suspect funds moving through the global economy and how corrupt elites were hiding their stolen wealth.
Since then, progress has been made but the flow of dirty money remains.
🔗Full link in comments ⤵️
It uncovered billions of suspect funds moving through the global economy and how corrupt elites were hiding their stolen wealth.
Since then, progress has been made but the flow of dirty money remains.
🔗Full link in comments ⤵️
I've noticed a number of comment pieces recently maligning the influence of NGOs on Scottish Government, and alluding to the funding they receive from Scottish Government somehow being mispent on lobbying that only supports SG policy.
April 2, 2026 at 5:36 PM
I've noticed a number of comment pieces recently maligning the influence of NGOs on Scottish Government, and alluding to the funding they receive from Scottish Government somehow being mispent on lobbying that only supports SG policy.
North Sea oil and gas will not change the global markets. They cannot be refined here and they are increasingly dangerous to exploit. Don't fall for the 'domestic oil and gas' misnomers or the 'we can pump it straight into the supply chain' lies. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Swinney softens stance on North Sea drilling as oil prices soar
The first minister said energy security should be a primary concern when making decisions on oil and gas projects.
www.bbc.co.uk
April 2, 2026 at 3:24 PM
North Sea oil and gas will not change the global markets. They cannot be refined here and they are increasingly dangerous to exploit. Don't fall for the 'domestic oil and gas' misnomers or the 'we can pump it straight into the supply chain' lies. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Um, but if his new phone had the same number why didn't the old messages transfer? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Police to reassess Morgan McSweeney phone theft over address error
Force previously said it was ‘too busy’ to investigate theft despite it potentially holding sensitive information
www.theguardian.com
March 24, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Um, but if his new phone had the same number why didn't the old messages transfer? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This is excellent reporting which deftly demonstrates the weaknesses and loopholes in Companies House, before you even get to opaque trusts in overseas territories!
Attempting to track down the owner of 105 Union Street - where Sunday's city centre fire is believed to have started - has taken The Bell from Pollokshaws to South Lanarkshire, and given us insight into a retail sector regulated in the loosest sense of the word.
But we think we've done it anyway.
But we think we've done it anyway.
Who owns 105 Union Street? A journey into the rabbit warren
As the smoke subsides, a complex picture of poorly regulated businesses emerges
www.glasgowbell.co.uk
March 12, 2026 at 1:27 PM
This is excellent reporting which deftly demonstrates the weaknesses and loopholes in Companies House, before you even get to opaque trusts in overseas territories!
Great to see Reform UK working at the utmost of professional standards and ensuring their website links are all working.
March 5, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Great to see Reform UK working at the utmost of professional standards and ensuring their website links are all working.
UK government: the UK will stand up for democracy and civil society... as we work together to address threats to democratic resilience, shrinking space for civil society. opengovernment.org.uk/2025/12/01/u...
Also UK government: Home Sec 'disappointed' Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful.
Also UK government: Home Sec 'disappointed' Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful.
a man is laying his head on a desk with his hands on the desk .
ALT: a man is laying his head on a desk with his hands on the desk .
media.tenor.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:40 AM
UK government: the UK will stand up for democracy and civil society... as we work together to address threats to democratic resilience, shrinking space for civil society. opengovernment.org.uk/2025/12/01/u...
Also UK government: Home Sec 'disappointed' Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful.
Also UK government: Home Sec 'disappointed' Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful.
on the verge of what is the actual point anymore with all this white male fuckaboutery
February 7, 2026 at 11:00 PM
on the verge of what is the actual point anymore with all this white male fuckaboutery
Glad Marina Hyde has the column inches to say what I'm sure many of my circle are thinking
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It’s the Epstein files deja vu: how many more powerful men knew about his crimes, and helped him out anyway? | Marina Hyde
I’m sorry, but this is not just a political scandal. Time to refocus on the horrific mistreatment of women and girls, and the role of these ghouls, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Glad Marina Hyde has the column inches to say what I'm sure many of my circle are thinking
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Enabling environments for corruption can intersect with other abuses. Where elite networks operate without oversight, and misconduct faces no real consequences, multiple forms of exploitation - including sexual violence - continue with impunity. Accountability gaps don't exist in isolation.
🗣️ "If proven, the allegations as reported would amount to a serious abuse of entrusted power at the heart of government during a national crisis."
Read out statement on the latest Mandelson allegations ⤵️
www.transparency.org.uk/news/mandels...
Read out statement on the latest Mandelson allegations ⤵️
www.transparency.org.uk/news/mandels...
Mandelson allegations show urgent need for stronger misconduct laws
www.transparency.org.uk
February 3, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Enabling environments for corruption can intersect with other abuses. Where elite networks operate without oversight, and misconduct faces no real consequences, multiple forms of exploitation - including sexual violence - continue with impunity. Accountability gaps don't exist in isolation.
Reposted by Juliet Swann
🗣️ "Requiring Scotland's lobbying register to include the expense associated with lobbying would expose any links between access to decision makers and financial resources."
@muteswann.bsky.social spoke to @theferret.scot, calling for tighter lobbying rules.
www.theferret.scot/political-pa...
@muteswann.bsky.social spoke to @theferret.scot, calling for tighter lobbying rules.
www.theferret.scot/political-pa...
Political parties took thousands from lobbying groups in Scotland. Campaigners say they are buying access to power
Political parties have accepted thousands of pounds from lobbyists in recent years. Anti-corruption campaigners claimed donations buy lobby firms “privileged access” to politicians for their wealthy c...
www.theferret.scot
January 27, 2026 at 8:35 AM
🗣️ "Requiring Scotland's lobbying register to include the expense associated with lobbying would expose any links between access to decision makers and financial resources."
@muteswann.bsky.social spoke to @theferret.scot, calling for tighter lobbying rules.
www.theferret.scot/political-pa...
@muteswann.bsky.social spoke to @theferret.scot, calling for tighter lobbying rules.
www.theferret.scot/political-pa...
Who is funding this appeal?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Fife nurse to appeal against ‘hugely problematic’ trans changing room ruling
Sandie Peggie won harassment claim but tribunal dismissed claims of discrimination and victimisation
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Who is funding this appeal?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
If you want to discuss what this means for Scotland, get in touch ✍️
As govt prepares to launch the first new UK Anti-Corruption Strategy since 2017 the Foreign Secretary tells journalists: “Dirty money fuels crime on the streets of the UK & drives conflict & instability overseas… the damage is there for all to see."
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
#AntiCorruption
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
#AntiCorruption
Yvette Cooper vows to take on dirty money funding crime in UK and war in Ukraine
The Foreign Secretary warned dodgy funds were being used to fuel not just crime in the UK, but also Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and it needed an international effort to stop it
www.mirror.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
If you want to discuss what this means for Scotland, get in touch ✍️