Tory MP David Davis has accused Nicola Sturgeon of lying about her husband Peter Murrell's crimes and knowing full well about his theft of SNP funds. In a speech using parliamentary privilege, Davis also accused the former first minister of the “evil act” of stitching up Alex Salmond to hide the truth, attempting to destroy his reputation and life with allegations of sexual misconduct. He called for a judicial inquiry into the “entire sordid scandal.”
Murrell's Embezzlement and Luxury Purchases
Murrell, Sturgeon's estranged husband, was jailed last month after admitting to embezzling over £400,000 from the SNP over 12 years as chief executive. Davis detailed the luxury items purchased with stolen funds: a £33,000 Volkswagen Golf, a £57,000 Jaguar, handbags, an £850 gold pendant, four coffee machines costing £9,000, luxury kitchenware, 26 fountain pens worth £21,000, two £350 Dyson hairdryers, and a £124,000 motorhome.
Sturgeon's Denials Rejected
Davis rejected Sturgeon's denials of knowledge, questioning how she could not have wondered where the money came from. He said, “My view on her denials is clear. She is lying. She knew full well what her husband was doing and how those luxury purchases were funded.” He also noted that Salmond had warned Sturgeon about keeping Murrell on, as Murrell had stolen from Salmond in the 1980s.
Resignations and Cover-Up Allegations
Davis highlighted that in March 2021, three SNP finance committee members resigned, citing chaotic financial management and a hostile backlash driven by Sturgeon's toxic culture. The party treasurer also resigned, but Sturgeon ignored it. Davis claimed Sturgeon told colleagues there were no reasons for concern, and that she was part of a cover-up, using her position to suppress justice.
Stitching Up Alex Salmond
Davis accused Sturgeon of orchestrating a malicious attempt to remove Salmond from public life. The Scottish government created a procedure for sexual harassment allegations that deliberately targeted Salmond, which a judge ruled unlawful. Salmond was later acquitted of all charges. Davis said these actions were motivated by a desire to hide embezzlement.
Unresolved Questions and Conflict of Interest
Davis also noted that £60,000 of items were dropped from Murrell's indictment, including hairstylers, lingerie, and books by Sturgeon's favourite authors, suggesting Murrell was protecting Sturgeon. He pointed out that police had further questions for Sturgeon but were stopped by prosecutors who work for the Lord Advocate, the Scottish government's principal legal advisor, creating a clear conflict of interest.
Davis concluded: “There's a clear pattern of secrecy, obstruction, and power used to protect power, a pattern started by Sturgeon. Scotland needs a fresh start. That starts with a judicial inquiry into this entire sordid scandal because it's a scandal that cost Alex Salmond his life.”
