A Perthshire MP was under pressure to explain why the taxpayer-backed charity she founded only passed on 3% of its income as donations while she was chairman.
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, the SNP representative for Ochil and South Perthshire, was also accused of using the Scottish Asian Women’s Association as a “publicity vehicle” to advance her political career.
During her tenure as chairwoman of SAWA between July 2012 and April 2015, only 3% of donations were handed to good causes, The Herald reported today.
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh said tonight she was “very proud” of her role in the charity, saying the fundraising efforts during her chairmanship put it in good stead following her departure.
“Following our own fundraising efforts between 2013 and 2014, the SAWA made a range of donations in 2015, and continues to plan and carry out its work in this important area, in addition to planning future events. It should be counted as a success that the charity is well funded for its future work,” she added.
“I stood down from the organisation upon my election to Parliament to concentrate on my role as an MP. Although I no longer have any direct involvement I continue to support the aims and objectives of SAWA.”
The charity was founded with the help of £16,000 from the Scottish Government in April 2012 with the aim of raising the profile of Asian women and improving their employment, education and training prospects.
Her party said the focus of the charity was not on handing out donations but on hosting awards and providing network opportunities.
Earlier, she faced mounting pressure from opposition parties to explain what the money was spent on, while the Scottish Government was asked for clarity on why it gave public cash to the charity.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government supported the launch of the Scottish Asian Women’s Association. We have not provided any financial support to the organisation since its launch in 2012.”