First Minister John Swinney Received Private Warning on Murrell Charges Before Public Announcement
Scotland's top prosecutor, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, is under intense pressure to explain why she provided First Minister John Swinney with details of criminal charges against former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell before they were made public. According to a report by the Sun newspaper, an email sent on January 19 revealed that Bain notified Swinney that Murrell was accused of embezzling nearly £460,000 from the party between August 2010 and January 2023.
Conservatives and Labour Demand Transparency Over 'Dodgy' Communication
The indictment against Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband was not published until February 13, nearly a month after Swinney's private briefing. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has condemned the move, stating there is 'no good reason' for the Lord Advocate to issue such a warning while the public received minimal information. Findlay argued this revelation suggests a compromised relationship between Swinney and Bain, who remains a member of his cabinet despite her role as head of the independent Crown Office prosecution service.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar echoed these concerns, posting on social media that the situation 'looks dodgy' and that both Swinney and Bain have serious questions to answer. In response, Tory MSP Douglas Ross has submitted an Urgent Question in the Scottish Parliament, demanding Bain explain her motivation behind what he called an 'extraordinary move.'
Crown Office Defends Notification as Procedural Step for Transparency
The Crown Office has defended the Lord Advocate's actions, stating that her email was sent formally after the indictment had been served to ensure Swinney understood she was not involved in the case and to prevent public commentary due to active contempt of court proceedings. A spokesperson emphasized that the message was intended 'to form part of the record and ensure transparency in due course,' noting that once an indictment is served, it can become public at any time.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has declined to comment on live criminal proceedings, with Business Minister Graeme Dey reiterating that trial scheduling is a matter for the independent judiciary and Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. This comes amid questions about the postponement of Murrell's next court appearance from February 20 to May 25, after the Holyrood election.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability Intensify
The controversy has ignited a fierce political debate, with critics alleging preferential treatment for the First Minister in a high-profile case involving a former senior SNP figure. The Crown Office's insistence on procedural correctness has done little to quell demands for a full explanation, as opposition parties highlight Bain's dual role as both prosecution chief and cabinet member appointed by the SNP First Minister.
As the Scottish Parliament prepares to address the Urgent Question, the focus remains on whether the Lord Advocate's communication breached protocols of independence and transparency, potentially undermining public confidence in Scotland's legal and political institutions.
