Full Breakdown
Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over £400,000 from the SNP
5/26/2026, 12:26:45 AM
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
SNP chief executive Peter Murrell pleaded guilty in Edinburgh’s Court to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party between 12 August 2010 and 19 October 2022. He spent the money on a £124,550 motorhome, a Jaguar I-PACE, a Volkswagen Golf and hundreds of other items. Sentencing is set for 23 June, with a lengthy prison term expected.
Operation Branchform and Police Raids
Operation Branchform began in 2021 after complaints that the SNP raised over £660,000 for an independence campaign while holding under £100,000. Police raids in April 2023 seized a motorhome from Murrell’s mother’s driveway, erected a tent at Murrell’s and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s Glasgow home, and removed crates of evidence from Edinburgh headquarters on Royal Mile.
Financial Scope of the Embezzlement
The court confirmed the misappropriated sum as £400,310.65, down from an earlier estimate of £459,046.49. Purchases include the £124,550 motorhome, a £57,500 Jaguar I-PACE, a £33,000 Volkswagen Golf and £139,971 of goods from 90 retailers. The SNP raised £600,000 for independence campaigning, but less than £100,000 remained in its bank.
Party and Legal Responses
SNP leader John Swinney called the party “a victim of crime”, said controls have been tightened and that party will seek recovery of stolen funds. Nicola Sturgeon, arrested, asserted she “had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes” and described herself as “utterly appalled”. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC confirmed Sturgeon and treasurer Colin Beattie were not reported for prosecution, noting Crown counsel deemed police decision appropriate.
Criticism of Police Tactics
A former SNP communications head called the police tent a “grotesque spectacle”, and a party figure called the operation “heavy-handed” and “over the top”. Opposition parties at Holyrood criticised Lord Advocate’s briefing to Swinney and postponement of a hearing until after the parliamentary election, alleging interference.
Conflicting Figures and Unanswered Questions
Media reports cited an alleged £459,046.49 misappropriation, while the court accepted £400,310.65, creating a discrepancy. Sturgeon’s repeated denials leave unanswered how closely she relied on Murrell’s assurances about the party’s finances, a gap not addressed by investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “proportionate and necessary” — Police spokesperson
- “Decisions are and will be based on public safety and the rule of law - not politics or any constitutional position.” — Sir Iain Livingstone, police chief constable
- “This was SNP money, SNP accounts, SNP credit cards, used privately for the benefit of an individual.” — Source
- “The Lord Advocate is completely independent, as are all the prosecutors that work for her in making these decisions.” — Catherine Dyer, ex Crown Office chief exec
Outlook and Potential Reforms
Murrell will be sentenced on 23 June, when the court will decide his imprisonment term and restitution. The SNP says it will pursue recovery of stolen funds and is reviewing financial oversight. The case continues to shape debate on party governance and may influence fundraising regulations for Scottish political organisations.
