Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after embezzling more than £400,000 from the Scottish National Party to finance a lavish lifestyle. The sentence was handed down at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Lord Young noted that the term would have been seven years had Murrell not pleaded guilty.
Details of the Embezzlement
Murrell, who was married to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for 15 years before their separation last year, admitted to using SNP funds for a range of luxury goods. These included a £124,000 motorhome, two Bremont watches totaling £9,350, two Montblanc Boheme Noir fountain pens costing £1,407, and a £3,500 Hamilton and Inches silver wine coaster. Court documents also revealed he created a false invoice for £57,500 to purchase a £81,277 Jaguar I-Pace, which he later sold for £47,378. Additionally, he used £16,489 of SNP funds for a £32,989 Volkswagen Golf. Smaller purchases included a £67 toilet seat, Neutrogena hand cream for £2.50, and Chinese takeaway curry sauce paste for £12.
Sentencing Remarks
During sentencing, Lord Young stated: "One factor in the sentence which I imposed today will be to act as a deterrent to any senior officials in other large organisations who might be tempted to abuse their position in the way that you did." He acknowledged Murrell's previous role within the SNP but noted that his downfall would make future employment difficult. The sentence was backdated to May 25, 2026, when Murrell was first remanded in custody.
Reaction from Nicola Sturgeon
In a statement following Murrell's guilty plea, Nicola Sturgeon expressed her shock and betrayal. She said: "To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain. Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension." She emphasized that she had no knowledge of his actions and was cleared after a thorough investigation. Murrell and Sturgeon were once one of the most powerful couples in UK politics, with Sturgeon serving as First Minister for eight years and Murrell as SNP chief executive for over two decades until his resignation in 2023.
Impact on the SNP
The scandal has rocked the SNP, with party leader and First Minister John Swinney issuing a public apology to members. He described Murrell's crimes as a "terrible breach of trust and an overwhelming betrayal by the man entrusted to be the party's chief executive." Swinney added: "Today I feel the overwhelming anger felt by SNP members." Murrell was first arrested in April 2023 as part of Operation Branchform, the police investigation into the SNP's finances, and was charged in April 2024.
