The Conservatives have intensified their calls on the Crown Office to clarify why former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was not prosecuted alongside her husband, Peter Murrell. Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, insists the prosecution service must publish the rationale behind the decision not to charge Sturgeon in connection with Operation Branchform.
Background of the Case
Peter Murrell, 61, the former SNP chief executive, pleaded guilty on Monday to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party between 2010 and 2022. The theft occurred largely while Sturgeon was SNP leader, and she has maintained she was unaware of his criminal activities. Murrell used the funds for luxury household goods and jewellery.
The Tories had previously sought disclosure under freedom of information law in March 2025, but the Crown Office refused, citing an ongoing investigation and personal data protections. Now that the case has concluded, Findlay argues the Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, is duty-bound to explain the decision.
Political Reactions
Findlay stated: "Faith in the integrity of Scotland's justice system has been shattered by this epic SNP scandal, which reaches into the heart of government. Senior SNP figures publicly tried to exert undue influence on Police Scotland, so was there any other meddling behind the scenes?" He also questioned the timing, noting the guilty plea came just after an election, benefiting the SNP.
First Minister John Swinney responded angrily at Holyrood, accusing the Tories of entering "incredibly inappropriate territory" and questioning the independence of the prosecution system. He called it "an insult to the rule of law."
Crown Office Stance
A Crown Office spokesman said the exemptions applied to the original request still stand, regardless of the case's status. "The Crown Office does not publicly share details of confidential inquiries where there are no proceedings in court. This protects the rights of the individuals concerned who are entitled to a presumption of innocence."
Sturgeon's lawyer, Aamer Anwar, issued a statement: "Whether Mr Murrell was buying pepper grinders, pens or Nintendo etc, Ms Sturgeon was unaware of his criminal conduct. It would appear some 'armchair detectives' think they are better placed than the gold-plated investigation of Police Scotland and now wish to try Ms Sturgeon for crimes she has not committed."
