Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell remanded in custody after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from party

Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds over a period of more than 12 years, bringing one of the most significant political finance scandals in recent Scottish politics to a dramatic turning point.

Murrell, who led the SNP’s organisation for more than two decades and was previously married to former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 23 June.

The 61 year old admitted embezzling £400,310.65 between August 2010 and October 2022.

Judge Lord Young described the conduct as a “gross breach of trust”.

The admission closes one stage of a case that has cast a long shadow over Scottish politics and raised wider questions about governance, transparency and financial oversight inside political parties.

Long serving party figure at the centre of the case

Murrell served as SNP chief executive for 22 years and was closely associated with the party’s period of electoral growth and government.

As chief executive, he oversaw party operations during a period that included major election victories and the rise of Scottish independence as a central political issue.

His position gave him significant responsibility over administration and internal management.

The court heard that over an extended period, party money was used to purchase items unrelated to party activity.

Prosecutors stated that spending included luxury purchases, vehicles and personal goods.

Among the largest purchases was a motorhome costing more than £124,000, which prosecutors said was paid for using party funds.

Other spending included cars and a range of personal items.

The amount admitted in court was lower than earlier allegations, with the total reduced from previous figures and the offending period shortened.

Operation Branchform and the wider investigation

The case developed from a wider police investigation known as Operation Branchform.

Police launched the inquiry in 2021 following questions around the handling of approximately £660,000 in donations made to support Scottish independence campaigning.

The investigation led to searches of SNP offices and property linked to senior figures.

Murrell was arrested in 2023 and later charged with embezzlement.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were also questioned during the investigation.

Police later confirmed both were no longer under investigation and neither faced charges.

The guilty plea now narrows the legal focus to Murrell’s sentencing and the consequences for the party.

Political response and reaction inside the SNP

Current SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney apologised to party members after the guilty plea.

He described the actions as an overwhelming betrayal and said the conduct had damaged the trust placed in the party by supporters.

Swinney rejected suggestions that party governance systems had fundamentally failed, arguing instead that controls had been bypassed.

He said reforms and stronger financial management arrangements are now in place.

The case nevertheless places pressure on party leadership to demonstrate that safeguards are effective and that confidence can be rebuilt.

Political parties rely heavily on donations and membership support, making financial governance particularly important to maintaining public trust.

Nicola Sturgeon responds

Following the court hearing, Nicola Sturgeon issued statements expressing shock and distress over Murrell’s admission.

She said she had no knowledge or suspicion that party funds had been used for personal purposes.

Sturgeon said she was angry, hurt and deeply affected by the events, describing the situation as both politically significant and personally traumatic.

Addressing questions over whether she should have been aware of purchases, she stated that they maintained separate finances and that she did not have access to Murrell’s bank records.

She also said she had not known about the existence of the motorhome until details emerged during the investigation.

Sturgeon indicated she would not make further public comment beyond her initial statements.

Why the case matters beyond one individual

The case has prompted wider discussion about financial accountability inside political organisations.

Political parties are subject to reporting rules, internal controls and oversight requirements, but much of day to day administration still depends on trust and governance procedures operating effectively.

Cases involving senior figures can raise questions about whether systems were sufficient to detect unusual activity and whether oversight arrangements need strengthening.

The outcome may also increase scrutiny of how parties manage donations and internal financial controls.

What happens next

Murrell will remain in custody until sentencing in June.

The court will consider the seriousness of the offending, the duration of the conduct and any mitigating factors before deciding punishment.

The guilty plea removes the need for a full trial but leaves significant political consequences.

For the SNP, attention will now shift towards rebuilding confidence and demonstrating that governance systems can withstand future scrutiny.

For Scottish politics more broadly, the case marks the end of one chapter but may leave lasting questions about trust, accountability and how political organisations protect the money entrusted to them.