Former SNP chief pleads guilty to embezzlement

Court documents showed Murrell embezzled £400,310.65 between 2010 and 2023, about £60,000 less than originally charged.

Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell admitted on Monday to embezzling more than £400,000 ($540,000) from party funds, acknowledging he used the money to purchase cars, a motorhome and luxury goods.

Murrell, the former husband of ex‑SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, entered a guilty plea after a lengthy investigation into party finances. Sturgeon resigned suddenly in 2023 before being arrested as part of the probe, though she was cleared of wrongdoing last year.

In a statement after Murrell’s plea, Sturgeon reiterated her innocence. “I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes,” she said. “I am utterly appalled that he did so.”

Court documents showed Murrell embezzled £400,310.65 between 2010 and 2023, about £60,000 less than originally charged. The funds went toward vehicles and items from luxury retailers including Estee Lauder and Harrods.

Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said Murrell displayed “utter contempt for the high public trust placed in him” and diverted cash to “bankroll the lavish lifestyle he craved but could not afford.”

Murrell was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on June 23.

Current SNP leader John Swinney described the case as “a terrible breach of trust and an overwhelming betrayal.” Opposition parties seized on the scandal, with Scottish Labour accusing the SNP of attempting to shut down scrutiny of its finances.

The conviction of Murrell, combined with Sturgeon’s resignation and arrest, has raised difficult questions for the pro‑independence party that has dominated Scottish politics for nearly two decades.