SNP former chief executive pleads guilty to £400,000 embezzlement at High Court

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party over a 12-year period. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Murrell utilised his position to falsify invoices and misclassify expenses, disguising personal purchases as legitimate party costs.

Prosecutors detailed how Murrell purchased a £124,550 luxury motorhome, which was driven only four miles and remained unused for over two years. The vehicle was described as a van in a faked invoice and stocked with luxury goods, including Le Creuset kitchenware and toiletries. Murrell also used party funds to buy a Jaguar SUV, a robotic lawnmower, and various other items, which he recorded under false headings such as "computer hardware" and "legal fees".

Alan Campbell KC, for the prosecution, stated that Murrell had complete control of the party’s books and accounts. He created false invoices, used incorrect codes for items, and transferred money directly from party accounts. Murrell also used his SNP charge card and those of two employees without their knowledge to facilitate these purchases, many of which were delivered directly to SNP headquarters.

Nicola Sturgeon has denied knowledge of the vehicle, stating she has no conscious memory of seeing it at her mother-in-law’s home. In a BBC interview, she said the motorhome was parked beside the house and implied it was never mentioned by Murrell or his parents. She stated that if she had seen it, she would have assumed it belonged to the neighbour.

Murrell faces sentencing on 23 June and is expected to receive a prison term. He was led out of court in handcuffs to return to the remand wing of Edinburgh prison after pleading guilty last week. The case has raised fresh questions about the party’s internal governance and the extent of Murrell’s access to party funds.