Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party and estranged husband of former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon, has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.
Murrell, 61, admitted the offences during a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, marking a dramatic development in a years-long investigation into the SNP’s finances.
The case centered on around £600,000 in donations raised for Scottish independence campaigning, which police investigated over concerns the funds may have been used improperly.
Murrell acknowledged using party money to purchase a motorhome, two vehicles, and luxury goods. He was remanded in custody and is due to return to court on June 2, with sentencing scheduled for June 23.
Sturgeon, who was previously arrested during the investigation before being cleared of wrongdoing, announced her separation from Murrell in early 2025.
Current SNP leader John Swinney described the scandal as a betrayal of supporters who donated to the independence movement, saying he was “horrified” by the revelations.
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