Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell is set to appear in court next Friday, facing grave allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a span of more than 12 years. This shocking development comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party’s finances, raising questions about the management of party funds at the highest levels.
Details of the Charges
According to an indictment obtained by BBC News, Murrell is accused of misappropriating party funds between August 2010 and January 2023. The document outlines a series of extravagant purchases made by Murrell, including luxury items, jewellery, cosmetics, and even two vehicles and a motorhome. The initial report on these allegations was published by the Scottish Sun.
Murrell’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, 20 February, at the High Court in Glasgow. During his first court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last year, he did not enter a plea and was subsequently granted bail.
The Investigation Unfolds
Murrell’s legal troubles began in 2023 when he was arrested as part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation scrutinising the SNP’s financial dealings. Although former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was questioned during the probe, authorities have confirmed she is no longer a target of the investigation.
The indictment reveals that Murrell is accused of misusing party funds to purchase a £124,550 motorhome “for your own personal use,” along with creating fraudulent documentation to falsely represent the purchase as a legitimate expense for the party. Furthermore, it is alleged that he used £57,500 from SNP coffers to buy an £81,000 Jaguar I-PACE in 2019, with attempts made to disguise the nature of this transaction.
Additional accusations include embezzling £16,489 for part of a £33,000 Volkswagen Golf acquired in 2016. The indictment lists over 80 retailers from which Murrell purportedly made purchases exceeding £159,000 between December 2014 and 2022, using SNP credit cards. Notable retailers include Harrods, the Royal Mint, and John Lewis, as well as more everyday stores like Homebase and Argos.
Implications for the SNP
Murrell’s alleged actions have raised alarm bells within the SNP and among its supporters. The party, which has enjoyed a prominent position in Scottish politics, now faces scrutiny at a time when it is grappling with various internal challenges. The financial mismanagement claims have further compounded the difficulties for a party already navigating leadership transitions and electoral pressures.
As a 22-year veteran of the SNP, Murrell’s tenure as chief executive was marked by significant electoral successes, yet these allegations cast a long shadow over his legacy. His marriage to Sturgeon in 2010 ended in separation in January 2025, adding another layer of complexity to a deeply intertwined personal and professional saga.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications not just for Peter Murrell, but for the Scottish National Party as a whole. Trust in political figures and party finances is paramount in maintaining public confidence. As this scandal unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in political organisations, especially those entrusted with public funds. The ramifications of this situation will likely resonate in Scotland’s political landscape for years to come.
