Former Scottish National Party leader pleads guilty to embezzlement charges

Former SNP Chief Executive Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has admitted to embezzling over £400,000 from the party’s funds in a High Court hearing in Edinburgh. The 61-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence on Monday, following an investigation into the SNP’s finances that began years ago.

Murrell was responsible for diverting donations intended to support the Scottish independence campaign between August 2010 and October 2022. He is also accused of embezzling £810,400 in total from the party’s funds during this period.

The judge presiding over the case described Murrell’s actions as a “gross breach of trust”. As part of the investigation, officers searched Murrell’s home near Glasgow in April 2023, which led to his arrest. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also questioned by police for seven hours before being released without charge.

Current First Minister John Swinney expressed his feelings about Murrell’s actions, stating that he felt “betrayed” by the former chief executive. Murrell and Sturgeon announced their separation in January 2025, with Sturgeon describing herself as “utterly appalled” by Murrell’s admission.

Murrell is scheduled to appear before the court again on June 23 for sentencing.

Source: Al Jazeera