Peter Murrell, the SNP’s former chief executive, faces eight embezzlement charges totaling close to £460,000 following a 12-year investigation into misuse of party money. The 60-year-old allegedly created fake sales documents and spent SNP funds on personal luxury purchases, including a motorhome, cars, cosmetics, and jewelry, between August 2010 and January 2023 over the lengthy internal funding probe.
Who is Peter Murrell?
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, was in the role for more than two decades, from 2001 to his departure in March 2023. He is married to Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest-serving first minister, who led the country between 2014 and 2023. Murrell played a key role in the SNP’s political growth, including the 2007 Holyrood election victory and the 2014 independence referendum campaign. His time in office ended amid controversy after a police investigation into party finances.
What are the embezzlement charges against Murrell?
Peter Murrell, the Scottish National Party’s former chief executive, served for more than two decades, from 2001 to his departure in March 2023. He is married to Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest-serving first minister, who led the country between 2014 and 2023. Murrell played a key role in the SNP’s political growth, including the 2007 Holyrood election victory and the 2014 independence referendum campaign. His time in office ended amid controversy after a police investigation into party finances.
What specific purchases is Murrell accused of making with SNP funds?
| Item | Alleged Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury motorhome | £124,550 | Not specified |
| Jaguar I-Pace | £57,500 (of £81,000 total) | 2019 |
| Volkswagen Golf | £16,489 | 2016 |
| Cosmetics and jewelry | Amount not specified | Various |
The camper was allegedly purchased from an English vendor with SNP finances and kept near Murrell’s mother’s home in Dunfermline. Prosecutors believe Murrell used phony invoices to conceal these purchases in SNP accounts, resulting in misleading financial records being recorded.
How did the investigation begin?
The police investigation, codenamed Operation Branchform, commenced in 2021 following concerns raised by SNP members about an unaccounted £600,000 donation. The funds had been earmarked for a future independence referendum that never took place. Party members questioned where the money had gone, triggering a police probe that would ultimately expand to examine wider party finances.
What happened during the police raid?
In April 2023, police conducted a raid on the Glasgow home shared by Murrell and Sturgeon. The search took place shortly after Sturgeon announced her resignation as first minister. Officers spent several days at the property and seized evidence including a luxury motorhome parked near Murrell’s mother’s home. Following the search, both Murrell and Sturgeon were named as part of the ongoing investigation, though Sturgeon has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged.
Timeline of legal proceedings
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Operation Branchform launched following donation concerns |
| March 2023 | Murrell resigns as SNP chief executive |
| April 2023 | Police raid Murrell and Sturgeon’s home |
| March 2023 | Murrell’s first court appearance |
| February 2026 | Eight embezzlement charges formally filed |
| Expected soon | Murrell to enter plea at High Court in Glasgow |
How has Murrell responded to the charges?
Murrell has not yet entered a plea to the eight charges. He is expected to appear at the High Court in Glasgow in the coming weeks to formally respond to the allegations. His legal team has not issued public statements regarding the specific charges. Murrell previously denied any wrongdoing when the investigation first became public.
What was Murrell’s role in the SNP’s rise?
Murrell served as SNP chief executive for 22 years, making him one of the longest-serving party officials in British politics. He was instrumental in the party’s transformation from a minor opposition force to Scotland’s dominant political party. Under his leadership and that of Sturgeon, the SNP won successive Holyrood and Westminster elections and increased its membership to over 100,000. However, his term was marred by problems, including misinformation concerning party membership counts.
What is Operation Branchform?
Operation Branchform is the Police Scotland investigation into SNP finances that began in 2021. The probe initially focused on the destination of more than £600,000 raised by party activists for a future independence referendum campaign. It has since expanded to examine wider financial practices within the party, including the allegations now facing Murrell. The investigation remains ongoing.
What does this mean for the SNP?
The charges against its former long-serving chief executive pose a major reputational test for the Scottish National Party. Peter Murrell was central to party operations for over two decades alongside Nicola Sturgeon, who remains highly popular among independence supporters. The case raises concerns over financial oversight during a time of record electoral success and rising membership. The current leadership says it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much money is Murrell accused of embezzling?
A: Murrell faces eight charges totalling £459,046.49 over a 12-year period from 2010 to 2023.
Q: Is Nicola Sturgeon charged with any wrongdoing?
A: No. Nicola Sturgeon has been named in the ongoing investigation but has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing.
Q: What is the luxury motorhome allegation?
A: Murrell is accused of using £124,550 in SNP funds to purchase a luxury motorhome from an English dealer and storing it near his mother’s home in Dunfermline.
Q: When will Murrell enter a plea?
A: Murrell is due to appear in Glasgow’s High Court shortly to enter a formal plea to the eight counts.
Q: What other purchases are mentioned in the charges?
A: The indictment contains charges about a Jaguar I-Pace, a Volkswagen Golf, and undisclosed cosmetic and jewelry purchases made with party funds.
Q: How long did Operation Branchform run before charges were filed?
A: The investigation began in 2021, meaning it took approximately five years before formal charges were brought.
