Peter Murrell's £540, 000 Theft Shakes Scotland’s SNP

Peter Murrell, who once ran the Scottish National Party (SNP), admitted stealing over £400, 000 from party coffers. He used the money to buy a motorhome, two cars, luxury watches and even two toilet seats. The crime was uncovered after a five‑year police probe that cost more than £2 million in public money. Murrell was arrested at his home in Glasgow and later taken to Edinburgh for a High Court hearing. He claimed the funds were for his personal life, but party leaders said he betrayed the trust of voters who donated to support Scottish independence.Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister and Murrell’s ex‑spouse, denied any knowledge of the theft. She expressed shock and sadness at how his actions hurt people and her family. SNP leader John Swinney called the scandal “horrifying” and said it damaged the party’s reputation. The case has raised questions about how the SNP manages its finances and whether internal checks were strong enough. Sturgeon’s departure in 2023 amid party turmoil adds to the sense that the SNP’s future direction is uncertain. The investigation also revealed that other party officials, including a former treasurer, were questioned but later cleared.