Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell embezzled £400,000 from the party, spending the money on personal items including a caravan, a hotel stay, and a new driveway, BBC Scotland News has revealed. The embezzlement, which Murrell admitted in court, has prompted a statement from his wife, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said she was “deceived and betrayed” and was “coming to terms with being married to someone she did not know”.
Murrell, who served as the SNP’s chief executive for over two decades, pleaded guilty to embezzling the funds. According to BBC Scotland News, the money was used to purchase a caravan worth £30,000, a hotel stay costing £1,500, and a new driveway for the couple’s home. Other items included a £2,500 television, a £1,200 leather sofa, and a £900 watch. The total amount embezzled was £400,000.
“Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell embezzled £400,000 from the party, spending the money on personal items. His wife Nicola Sturgeon said she was 'deceived and betrayed'.”
The case has rocked Scottish politics, given Murrell’s long tenure at the heart of the SNP and his marriage to Sturgeon, who led Scotland for eight years. Sturgeon, who resigned as first minister in March 2023, said she had no knowledge of her husband’s actions and described the revelation as a “betrayal”. She added: “I am coming to terms with being married to someone I did not know.”
The embezzlement came to light as part of a wider investigation into SNP finances, which also involved police inquiries into the party’s fundraising for a potential independence referendum. Murrell was arrested in April 2023 and later charged. He entered a guilty plea at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, with sentencing expected later this year.
For the SNP, the scandal is another blow to its reputation, already damaged by internal divisions and declining poll numbers. The party’s current leadership, under First Minister John Swinney, has distanced itself from Murrell’s actions, stressing that the embezzlement was a personal crime. The Scottish Police Federation said the investigation was “thorough and complex”, and praised the officers involved.
What happens next: Murrell awaits sentencing, which could include a prison term. The court will also consider whether to order repayment of the embezzled funds. Sturgeon has not faced any charges and has said she will co-operate with any further inquiries. The SNP has said it will review its financial controls to prevent a repeat of such misconduct.
What This Means For You - SNP members and supporters: This scandal may further erode trust in the party’s financial management, especially at a time when the SNP is struggling in the polls. Members may demand greater transparency and accountability. - Scottish taxpayers: While the embezzled funds came from SNP party coffers, not public money, the fallout could affect the party’s ability to campaign effectively, potentially influencing the outcome of future Scottish elections. - Anyone affected by political fraud: The case highlights the importance of robust financial oversight in political parties. It may prompt calls for stronger regulatory checks on party financing. - Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy: The former first minister’s reputation may suffer by association, even though she claims no knowledge of the crime. Her statements of betrayal are likely to be scrutinised by voters and opponents.