Sturgeon Says She Is Not Responsible for Murrell’s SNP Embezzlement
Nicola Sturgeon disavowed responsibility for Peter Murrell's embezzlement, citing betrayal and disproportionate media scrutiny.
Lauren Collins ·
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Friday she should not be held responsible for the actions of “men” after her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the Scottish National Party (SNP). Sturgeon made the remarks at the Hay Festival in Wales, describing the episode as a personal betrayal and saying she had done nothing wrong. Murrell pleaded guilty earlier in the week at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Murrell, 61, pleaded guilty on Monday to embezzling funds from the SNP between 2010 and 2022 while serving as the party’s chief executive. Officials said the money was spent on luxury items, including vehicles, jewellery and cosmetics.
Sturgeon, 55, said she had been misled and deceived and criticised what she described as disproportionate attention on her rather than on Murrell. She said her photograph had appeared on more Scottish front pages than his during the week and argued that was not justified.
Police inquiry and Sturgeon’s response
Sturgeon was arrested and questioned in 2023 as part of a police investigation into SNP finances, after police searched the home she had shared with Murrell. She was released without charge and has denied having any knowledge of Murrell’s wrongdoing.
At the festival, Sturgeon said she had been contacted by women who said they had experienced similar betrayals in personal relationships. She said she felt solidarity with them and described the past week as the worst of her life.
Plans to remain in public life
Sturgeon said she intended to continue appearing in public and did not plan to “hide away,” saying she had done nothing wrong. Her remarks came as she appeared to promote her memoir.
The case has added to scrutiny of the SNP’s finances and leadership during the period when Murrell served as chief executive and Sturgeon was a leading figure in the party.
Murrell’s guilty plea and any further court steps will remain in focus, alongside any additional findings from the broader inquiry into party finances.