THE SNP have said the publication of David Cameron’s text messages to key figures in Westminster and Whitehall for Covid loans underline the “cronyism” in the Tory government.

The former prime minister was found to have got in contact with politicians such as Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove on behalf of Greensill, which he worked for and owned a stake in. He and his office staff sent ministers and officials 45 emails, texts and WhatsApp messages relating to Greensill Capital in less than four months.

A timeline of his contacts submitted by the former prime minister to the Treasury Committee ahead of his appearance before the committee tomorrow also included 11 telephone calls or conference calls.

Cameron listed nine WhatsApp messages to Sunak, as well as one telephone call.

He also recorded 12 texts sent to the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury Sir Tom Scholar, and one call and six emails to Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe.

Cameron also sent texts to Cabinet Office Minister Gove and called Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

There were also messages to ministers Jesse Norman, John Glen and Nadhim Zahawi, with the exchanges all taking place between March 5 and June 26 last year.

One text message to Gove read: “I know you are manically busy – and doing a great job, by the way (this is bloody hard and I think the team is coping extremely well. But do you have a moment for a word? I am on this number and v free. All good wishes Dc.”

The SNP’s depute Westminster leader Kirsten Oswald said: “It speaks volumes that a former Tory prime minister thinks it’s acceptable to drop a text to the current Tory Cabinet members for back-door access to vital Covid schemes.

“This is the standard the Tory government has set and perpetuated throughout the years. Several messages, including to Michael Gove and Rishi Sunak, suggest that the former prime minister feels he can resolve the issue – or persuade the Tory government to break the rules – with a ‘quick phone call’.

“Despite the efforts of the SNP to stamp out the culture of sleaze engulfing this Tory government – whether it’s the current Greensill scandal, Covid contracts for cronies, donations for decorating, or texts for tax breaks – it is clear that Westminster is broken beyond repair. The best future for Scotland is to build a fairer society as an independent country inside the EU post-pandemic.”

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said it is formally investigating the failed finance company.

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi said they were looking at matters relating to Greensill Capital UK, Greensill Capital Securities (GCSL) and the oversight of GCSL by its principal, Mirabella Advisers LLP.

He said some of the made allegations relating to the firm’s collapse were “potentially criminal in nature”.

Lex Greensill has apologised and said he takes “complete responsibility” for the collapse of Greensill Capital. He told the Commons Treasury Committee: “Please understand that I bear complete responsibility for the collapse of Greensill Capital.

“I am desperately saddened that more than 1000 very hard-working people have lost their jobs at Greensill. Likewise I take full responsibility for any hardship being felt by our clients and their suppliers, and indeed investors in our programmes.

“It’s deeply regrettable that we were let down by our leading insurer whose actions assured Greensill’s collapse, and indeed some of our biggest customers.

“To all of those affected by this: I am truly sorry.”