The guilty plea from former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell on Monday sent shockwaves through Scottish politics and triggered an outpouring of reaction from his estranged wife Nicola Sturgeon, the current First Minister, and senior figures across Scotland.
Murrell's Guilty Plea and Remand
Murrell, 61, pleaded guilty on May 25 to embezzling £400,310 from the party to finance a lavish lifestyle. He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing, handcuffed in the dock at the High Court in Edinburgh. Sentencing is due to take place on June 23. Judge Lord Young told Murrell that his actions over 12 years constituted a gross breach of trust given his position as chief executive of the organisation throughout that entire period.
Nicola Sturgeon: 'Acute Pain'
In an Instagram story, Sturgeon said her reaction to the guilty plea was difficult to put into words. She described herself as angry, hurt, sad, and very distressed about the impact of his actions on family, friends, and the SNP. She said being deceived and let down by a husband she loved and trusted had caused her acute pain and that why he acted as he did would always be beyond her comprehension. She was clear she had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes. She added that her full clearance after a thorough investigation confirmed these were not her crimes and that she was misled just as others were. She said the matter had been a profound personal trauma and that she needed to focus on recovering and building a new phase of life.
John Swinney: 'Horrified and Betrayed'
SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney addressed the nation at a press conference in Edinburgh. He said Murrell was stealing the hopes, the dreams, and the aspirations of thousands of people all over Scotland who gave what they could over many years in the hope it would help contribute to a better country. He said he was horrified and betrayed. Swinney said he was gutted and could not stop thinking about ordinary members who raised funds through coffee mornings and jumble sales believing every penny would go towards Scottish independence. When asked if he would apologise to party members, he said the responsibility lay entirely with Murrell. He confirmed money donated by members had been stolen and could no longer be returned but insisted the SNP now had strong governance structures in place.
Joanna Cherry: 'Questions for Many People to Answer'
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry attended Swinney's press conference and said outside the venue that she herself had lost money donated to the party. The lawyer said there were questions for many people within the SNP to answer following Murrell's guilty plea. Cherry is no longer a party member.
Police Scotland: 'Utter Contempt'
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston of Police Scotland said Murrell showed utter contempt for the public trust placed in him as chief executive of a political party. He said Murrell abused his privileged position to divert cash into his own accounts and bankroll the lavish lifestyle he craved but could not afford. Houston said that from 2010 to 2022 Murrell spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury goods while carefully trying to hide his criminality with false receipts and accounting. He said Murrell must now face the consequences of his actions.
What He Spent the Money On
Court documents running to 125 pages detailed purchases that included a £124,550 luxury motorhome, a Jaguar I-PACE bought using £57,500 of party funds, and a Volkswagen Golf towards which £16,489 of SNP money was used. The funds were also used to buy items from luxury brands including Estee Lauder and Harrods. Two Bremont watches cost over £9,000, and a Mont Blanc fountain pen came to £4,225. Murrell also spent more than £5,700 on coffee machines over several years. The motorhome has sat in a police compound since it was seized in April 2023 and is expected to be sold as part of a confiscation order.
Murrell was first arrested in April 2023 as part of Operation Branchform, a Police Scotland investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP. He was charged with embezzlement in April 2024. Sturgeon was also arrested and questioned but was cleared of any wrongdoing. Both she and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were released without charge.
