Former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over £400,000
Peter Murrell returns to court after admitting to embezzling £400,000 from SNP
Mail Online
Image: Mail Online
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and ex-husband of Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party. His sentencing is set for June, amid calls for an independent investigation into SNP finances.
- 01Murrell embezzled funds between August 2010 and October 2022, using the money for personal purchases including luxury items.
- 02Nicola Sturgeon has denied knowledge of Murrell's actions, stating she was 'deceived, misled and betrayed'.
- 03Sturgeon was previously arrested and questioned but will not face charges, as confirmed by Police Scotland.
- 04Calls for an independent inquiry into SNP finances have emerged from several political figures, including former first minister Lord Jack McConnell.
- 05Current SNP leader John Swinney argues that the police investigation has sufficiently addressed the issue.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and ex-husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, returned to the High Court in Edinburgh after pleading guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party. The embezzlement occurred between August 2010 and October 2022, with Murrell reportedly purchasing various luxury items, including a space telescope, two cars, and a £124,550 motorhome. Sturgeon has publicly denied any involvement or knowledge of her ex-husband's crimes, claiming she was 'deceived, misled and betrayed.' Following Murrell's guilty plea, there have been calls for an independent investigation into the SNP's finances, with figures such as former first minister Lord Jack McConnell advocating for a joint inquiry by Holyrood and Westminster committees. However, current SNP leader John Swinney has dismissed the need for further inquiry, citing the thoroughness of the police investigation that led to Murrell's prosecution. Sentencing for Murrell is expected later in June.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The embezzlement scandal has raised questions about the financial oversight within the SNP, potentially affecting public trust in the party.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think should happen next regarding the SNP's finances?
Connecting to poll...
More about Scottish National Party

Scottish Ministers Advised to Refrain from Commenting on Peter Murrell Case Before Sentencing
Mail Online • Jun 1, 2026

Nicola Sturgeon Faces Backlash After Controversial BBC Interview
Dailystar Co Uk • Jun 1, 2026

Call for Joint Inquiry into SNP Fund Misuse by Former First Minister
The Scotsman • Jun 1, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.
&w=1200&q=75)

