Former SNP Chief Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), pleaded guilty on Monday, February 26, 2024, to a charge of embezzlement. Appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell admitted to embezzling more than £400,000, an amount equivalent to approximately $540,000, from the party's funds.
The plea marks a significant development in a long-running police investigation into the finances of Scotland's dominant political party. Murrell, who is married to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, served as the SNP's chief executive for over two decades before his resignation in March 2023.
Details of the Embezzlement
During the court proceedings, Murrell admitted to diverting funds that had been donated to the Scottish National Party. The prosecution detailed how Murrell used these funds for various personal expenditures, including the purchase of a luxury motorhome. This vehicle, a Niesmann + Bischoff motorhome, was reportedly bought in 2022 and stored at the home of Murrell's mother-in-law.
The charge stated that between April 17, 2019, and December 10, 2020, at various locations including SNP headquarters in Edinburgh, Murrell embezzled the funds while acting as treasurer and chief executive of the party. The money was intended for specific purposes, such as campaigning for Scottish independence, but was instead used for personal gain.
Sheriff Alison Stirling accepted Murrell's plea of guilty. Sentencing has been deferred to a later date, pending the preparation of a criminal justice social work report. Murrell was released on bail following his plea.
Operation Branchform Investigation
Murrell's guilty plea is part of a wider police investigation known as Operation Branchform, which has been examining the SNP's finances for several years. The probe initially focused on how more than £600,000 in donations, specifically earmarked for an independence referendum campaign, was spent. Concerns arose after it was alleged that these donations had been used for general party expenditure rather than their stated purpose.
The investigation has seen several high-profile figures associated with the SNP arrested. Murrell himself was initially arrested in April 2023 in connection with the inquiry and was later released without charge, pending further investigation. His home in Glasgow, shared with Nicola Sturgeon, was searched by police during the initial stages of the probe.
Murrell's Role and Tenure
Peter Murrell held the position of chief executive of the Scottish National Party from 1999 until his resignation in March 2023. His tenure coincided with a period of significant growth and electoral success for the SNP, including the party's rise to power in the Scottish Parliament and its consistent dominance in Scottish politics.
His resignation came amidst controversy surrounding the party's membership figures, which had been significantly overstated. Murrell's long-standing role as the party's most senior unelected official, coupled with his marriage to the then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, placed him at the heart of the SNP's operations and decision-making for over two decades.
Further Developments in the Probe
Beyond Murrell's arrest and plea, Operation Branchform has also led to the arrests of other prominent SNP figures. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested in June 2023 as part of the same investigation. She was questioned for several hours before being released without charge, pending further inquiries. Sturgeon has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Colin Beattie, the SNP's former treasurer, was also arrested in April 2023 in connection with the investigation. Like Sturgeon, he was released without charge, pending further investigation. Beattie subsequently resigned from his role as treasurer.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to examine various aspects of the party's financial management. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has stated that the investigation is continuing and that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.