Peter Murrell Faces Embezzlement Charges Amid SNP Financial Probe
Published 13 February 2026
Highlights
- Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive, is accused of embezzling £459,000 over 12 years.
- Allegations include using SNP funds for luxury goods, cars, and a motorhome.
- Murrell was arrested in 2023 under Operation Branchform, a probe into SNP finances.
- Nicola Sturgeon, Murrell's ex-wife, was questioned but is no longer under investigation.
- Murrell's preliminary court hearing is set for 25 May at the High Court in Edinburgh.
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Rewritten Article
Peter Murrell Faces Embezzlement Charges Amid SNP Financial Probe
Former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive Peter Murrell is facing serious allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a span of more than 12 years. The charges, which have emerged from court documents, accuse Murrell of misappropriating funds between August 2010 and January 2023 to finance personal purchases, including luxury items, vehicles, and a motorhome.
Murrell, who was married to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon until their separation in January 2025, is alleged to have used party funds to buy a £124,550 motorhome and a £81,000 Jaguar I-PACE. The indictment claims he falsified documents to disguise these purchases as legitimate party expenses. Further accusations involve the use of SNP money for a Volkswagen Golf and various luxury goods from retailers like Harrods and Amazon.
The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, led to Murrell's arrest in 2023. Although Sturgeon was also questioned by Police Scotland, she has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. In her memoir, Sturgeon expressed shock and disbelief at the police raid on their home, describing it as a traumatic experience.
Murrell's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 25 May at the High Court in Edinburgh. He has made no plea during his initial court appearance and was granted bail. The court documents, which are subject to change, outline a complex web of alleged financial misconduct involving false invoices and misrepresented expenses.
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Scenario Analysis
As Peter Murrell's case progresses, the legal proceedings could have significant implications for the SNP, potentially affecting its public image and internal dynamics. The outcome of the trial may influence future party governance and financial oversight practices. Legal experts suggest that if Murrell is found guilty, it could lead to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of political party finances in Scotland. Additionally, the case may impact Nicola Sturgeon's political legacy, despite her exoneration, as the public continues to associate her with the ongoing scandal.
Former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive Peter Murrell is facing serious allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a span of more than 12 years. The charges, which have emerged from court documents, accuse Murrell of misappropriating funds between August 2010 and January 2023 to finance personal purchases, including luxury items, vehicles, and a motorhome.
Murrell, who was married to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon until their separation in January 2025, is alleged to have used party funds to buy a £124,550 motorhome and a £81,000 Jaguar I-PACE. The indictment claims he falsified documents to disguise these purchases as legitimate party expenses. Further accusations involve the use of SNP money for a Volkswagen Golf and various luxury goods from retailers like Harrods and Amazon.
The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, led to Murrell's arrest in 2023. Although Sturgeon was also questioned by Police Scotland, she has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. In her memoir, Sturgeon expressed shock and disbelief at the police raid on their home, describing it as a traumatic experience.
Murrell's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 25 May at the High Court in Edinburgh. He has made no plea during his initial court appearance and was granted bail. The court documents, which are subject to change, outline a complex web of alleged financial misconduct involving false invoices and misrepresented expenses.
What this might mean
As Peter Murrell's case progresses, the legal proceedings could have significant implications for the SNP, potentially affecting its public image and internal dynamics. The outcome of the trial may influence future party governance and financial oversight practices. Legal experts suggest that if Murrell is found guilty, it could lead to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of political party finances in Scotland. Additionally, the case may impact Nicola Sturgeon's political legacy, despite her exoneration, as the public continues to associate her with the ongoing scandal.
