Sturgeon Regrets Keeping Estranged Husband as SNP Chief Executive

Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has expressed regret over her decision to retain Peter Murrell as chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) when she took over as party leader in 2014. Speaking at a book festival in Wales, Sturgeon reflected on her tenure and the controversies that have since engulfed the party.

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Definitely, with the benefit of hindsight, that was a decision I wish I had taken differently.

Sturgeon described Murrell, who is also her estranged husband, as a "key figure" in the SNP's success under her predecessor, Alex Salmond. However, she admitted, "Definitely, with the benefit of hindsight, that was a decision I wish I had taken differently." She explained that her judgment at the time was that the chief executive role was not directly managed by the party leader and that it seemed unfair to dismiss Murrell, given his past performance and her new role.

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My judgement was that the chief executive was not line-manged by the party leader. There is a national executive committee.

Murrell's alleged offending began in 2010, predating Sturgeon's leadership. Despite this, Sturgeon kept him in his post. She acknowledged taking responsibility for this decision but asserted, "I still don't think that makes me responsible for somebody committing a crime." Sturgeon revealed that she, like others, has been "deceived," "misled," "lied to," and "betrayed" by Murrell.

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If I could turn back the clock, of course, I would take a different decision.

The former SNP leader was questioned by detectives as part of Operation Branchform, the police investigation into the party's finances, which led to Murrell's arrest. He was remanded in custody following a court appearance. Sturgeon described the period following Murrell's plea as the "worst week of her life," adding that she is "not OK" and may need therapy to cope with the personal and public fallout.

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Just as other people have been, I have been deceived. I have been misled, I have been lied to and I have been betrayed, and I won't be the last woman who has been betrayed by her husband.