Former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell Admits Embezzling Party Funds Over 12-Year Period
Former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell Admits Embezzling Party Funds Over 12-Year Period Former Scottish National Party SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted in court that he embezzled party funds over a 12-year period, in one of the most serious political finance scandals to hit the party in recent years. Murrell pleaded guilty to diverting more than £400,000 about $540,000 from SNP funds between 2010 and 2023, using the money for personal expenses including luxury goods, vehicles, and a motorhome. Court proceedings confirmed that Murrell admitted responsibility for systematically misusing party funds while serving as the SNP’s long time chief executive. Prosecutors said the diverted money was used to fund a lavish personal lifestyle, including purchases such as a Jaguar car, motorhome, cosmetics, jewellery, and electronics, often disguised through false invoices and accounting irregularities.The court described his conduct as a “gross breach of trust”, with Murrell remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for June 23, 2026.Investigators said the embezzled funds were repeatedly channelled into personal spending over many years, with allegations that Murrell treated party accounts as a private source of finance.
- High-end vehicles
- A motorhome
- Designer goods and cosmetics
- Jewellery and electronics
The case stems from Operation Branchform, a Police Scotland investigation launched in 2021 into SNP fundraising and financial management. The probe examined how hundreds of thousands of pounds raised for political campaigning may have been diverted or misused, triggering raids, arrests, and widespread political fallout within the party.The scandal has significantly impacted
- Leadership tensions within the party
- Resignations and internal investigations
- Increased scrutiny of fundraising practices
- Public debate over transparency and accountability
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Murrell’s estranged wife, was previously questioned during the investigation but was later cleared of wrongdoing. Murrell served as SNP chief executive from 2001 to 2023, overseeing party administration during a period of major electoral growth and constitutional debate in Scotland. He resigned in 2023 following mounting scrutiny over party finances and internal governance concerns. Murrell remains in custody as the court prepares for sentencing later in June 2026, where the full extent of financial losses and sentencing considerations will be determined. The case is regarded as one of the most significant political corruption scandals in modern Scottish political history.
