Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzling SNP funds
BBC News 2026-06-23 12:29:11
Context: Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has been sentenced to five years and three months in jail for embezzling over £400,000 from the party. The embezzlement occurred between 2010 and 2022, and Murrell used the funds to purchase a range of luxury items, including cars, a motorhome, and high-end kitchenware. Murrell's actions were described by the judge as a "calculated crime of dishonesty," and he was sentenced in a Glasgow court.
Key Facts
- Peter Murrell, the 61-year-old former SNP chief executive, was sentenced to five years and three months in jail for embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP between 2010 and 2022.
- Murrell used party funds to purchase a range of luxury items, including a £124,550 luxury motorhome, a £3,223 coffee machine, a £3,000 robotic lawn mower, £2,600 salt and pepper grinders, and a £425 gold pendant.
- The embezzlement was uncovered by Police Scotland, who began investigating the party's finances in 2021 after questions were raised about the disappearance of £667,000 raised for a second independence referendum campaign.
- Murrell's lawyer, John Scullion KC, told the court that his client had "behaved dishonestly" and had gone to considerable lengths to conceal his crimes and avoid detection, and that Murrell accepted full responsibility for his actions and expressed guilt and remorse.
- The SNP is seeking to recover £400,000 from Murrell through a compensation order, and a proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled for 14 September to determine the exact amount to be paid back to the state.