Ex-SNP executive bought motorhome with party donations, court hears

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and ex-husband of Nicola Sturgeon, has admitted to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party's main bank account. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Murrell, 61, controlled the account, which primarily received membership fees, donations, and legacies.

“

over which he had control

Murrell falsified accounting records and created fake invoices to conceal his illicit spending. His purchases included a £124,550 motorhome, a Jaguar I-Pace worth over £81,000, a space telescope, luxury stationery, a home library ladder, and a high-end coffee machine. When police seized the motorhome from his mother's house, it had only been driven four miles.

“

membership fees and donations paid by party members and other donors and legacies

Murrell pleaded guilty on Monday last week to embezzling £400,310.65 between August 2010 and October 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for later in June. The guilty plea has intensified scrutiny on his former wife, Nicola Sturgeon, who has stated she was "deceived, misled and betrayed" and denied any knowledge of his crimes. Police Scotland confirmed Sturgeon, who was arrested and questioned as part of the investigation known as Operation Branchform, would face no action.

“

van rather than a motorhome