SNP embezzlement case: Peter Murrell pleads guilty amid Nicola Sturgeon fallout

Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty on Monday to embezzling more than 400,000 pounds (USD 540,000) from the Scottish National Party. Murrell, 61, admitted using party money to pay for a motorhome, two cars, and other luxury goods. The High Court in Edinburgh remanded Murrell into custody after the plea.

Representative image

SNP leader John Swinney said the offence harmed supporters who donated over many years. "By embezzling from the SNP, Peter Murrell was stealing the hopes, the dreams and the aspirations of thousands of people all over Scotland, people who gave what they could over many years in the hope that it would help contribute to a better country, SNP leader John Swinney said at a press conference. I am horrified, I am betrayed.\"

Peter Murrell SNP embezzlement investigation and sentencing

The guilty plea ended a five-year police investigation into SNP finances. Sentencing was scheduled for June 23. Police Scotland also examined how the party spent more than 600,000 pounds (USD 810,000) set aside for an independence campaign. The case created a difficult period for Scotland’s largest party and its former leadership circle.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said the inquiry cost 2 million pounds (USD 2.7 million) from public funds. Houston said the work took time due to the way Murrell hid activity. \"Peter Murrell has shown utter contempt for the high public trust placed in him, Houston said. He abused his privileged position with access to Scottish National Party funds to divert cash into his own accounts and bankroll the lavish lifestyle he craved but could not afford.\"

Police action followed Murrell’s departure from the party. A month after Sturgeon resigned in February 2023, Murrell quit after about two decades as party executive. Murrell accepted responsibility for misleading news outlets about falling membership figures. Three weeks later, police arrested Murrell at the couple’s Glasgow home.

Officers searched the property for two days and also examined SNP headquarters in Edinburgh. Police confiscated a luxury motorhome from the driveway at Murrell’s mother’s home north of the capital. Houston said Murrell covered tracks over 12 years by cooking the books. Investigators treated the matter as lengthy and complex.

Nicola Sturgeon SNP finances and political fallout

In March 2025, police said Nicola Sturgeon and former party treasurer Colin Beattie were cleared. Both were earlier arrested and questioned during the same investigation. At the time, Sturgeon said: \"I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.\" The probe still cast a cloud over Sturgeon and the party.

After strong SNP gains in the Scottish Parliament in 2021, tensions rose inside the party. Less than two years later, questions grew over finances and shrinking membership. Sturgeon, a dominant figure for almost a decade, resigned abruptly in February 2023. Sturgeon said the decision felt right to make at that moment.

Sturgeon led the SNP through three UK-wide elections and two Scottish elections. Sturgeon also led Scotland through the coronavirus pandemic. Sturgeon drew praise for a clear and measured communication style. Yet Sturgeon left office during internal divisions, without securing independence from the UK for Scotland’s 5.5 million people.

Nicola Sturgeon Peter Murrell marriage and reactions

Sturgeon announced last year that Sturgeon and Murrell were divorcing after about 15 years of marriage. On Monday, Sturgeon said there was no knowledge or suspicion of money being siphoned. Sturgeon said being \"utterly appalled\" and \"very distressed\" reflected the impact on family, friends, and the SNP.

\"To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain, Sturgeon said on Instagram. Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension.\" Sturgeon linked the situation to personal hurt, and to damage faced by people close to the party.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie questioned how much was known within the SNP. Baillie said it was inconceivable that Sturgeon knew nothing about Murrell’s conduct. Baillie also called on Swinney, the first minister, to explain the party’s knowledge. \"It was Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP party machine that attempted to close ranks and shut down scrutiny when questions about the finances started to emerge, and we need to know why, Baillie said.\"

Murrell’s plea added to an unsettled chapter for the SNP after years of political dominance. The investigation examined party funds, independence spending, and Murrell’s actions over more than a decade. Police cleared Sturgeon and Colin Beattie in March 2025, while Murrell awaited sentencing on June 23 after being remanded in Edinburgh.

With inputs from PTI