Peter Murrell, Husband of Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Charged with Embezzling SNP Funds

Peter Murrell, the husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has been charged with embezzling funds from the Scottish National Party (SNP), where he previously served as chief executive. Police Scotland confirmed that Murrell was arrested on Thursday and charged in connection with the SNP's ongoing funding and finance investigation, known as Operation Branchform.

The probe, which was launched in 2021, is examining the spending of more than £600,000 in donations raised for campaigning for Scottish independence. Murrell had previously been arrested in April 2022 but was released without charge pending further investigation. Sturgeon and the party's former treasurer Colin Beattie were also arrested last year as part of the inquiry but were similarly released.

Speaking outside her Glasgow home, Sturgeon described the situation as "incredibly difficult" but stated that she could not comment further given the circumstances. Scotland's current First Minister Humza Yousaf acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, calling it a "really serious and concerning development." Yousaf confirmed that Murrell has since resigned his membership in the SNP.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service stated that the case is being handled by senior prosecutors without political interference to avoid any conflicts of interest. Police Scotland will submit a standard prosecution report to the procurator fiscal, who will decide whether to prosecute Murrell.

Why this matters: The charges against Murrell mark a significant escalation in the long-running investigation into the SNP's finances. The scandal threatens to cast a shadow over the party's push for Scottish independence and could have major implications for the political future of Nicola Sturgeon, who unexpectedly resigned as First Minister in February 2023.

In a statement, Police Scotland said: "A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service." The SNP said it would continue to cooperate fully with the police investigation. Sturgeon and Beattie remain under investigation but have not been charged at this time.

Key Takeaways

• Peter Murrell, husband of ex-Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, charged with embezzling SNP funds.
• Police investigation examines spending of £600,000 in donations raised for Scottish independence campaign.
• Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie also arrested but not charged yet.
• Charges against Murrell escalate long-running probe, threaten SNP's push for Scottish independence.
• SNP says it will fully cooperate with police investigation, Murrell has resigned party membership.