Peter Murrell to be sentenced for embezzling SNP funds
BBC News 2026-06-23 05:16:16
Context: Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, is set to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh after pleading guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from the party between 2010 and 2022. The funds were used to purchase a range of goods, including cars, a motorhome, and personal items. The case has led to significant scrutiny of the SNP's finances and the party's leadership.
Key Facts
- Peter Murrell, 61, pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP between 2010 and 2022, and is facing a substantial jail term after being remanded in custody since his guilty plea last month.
- Murrell used various methods, including charge cards, bank transfers, and fake invoices, to illicitly purchase items such as jewellery, cosmetics, stationery, games consoles, cars, a motorhome, kitchenware, and toiletries.
- Nicola Sturgeon, Murrell's estranged wife and former First Minister of Scotland, has denied any knowledge of his wrongdoing, stating that she was "deceived, betrayed and lied to" by Murrell.
- The investigation into Murrell's embezzlement began in 2021, when Police Scotland looked into the SNP's finances after questions were raised about the disappearance of £667,000 raised for a second independence referendum campaign.
- First Minister John Swinney, who appointed Murrell in 2001, has apologized to party members for the scandal, describing Murrell's conduct as an "overwhelming betrayal" and stating that he was "horrified" by the former SNP chief executive's actions.