Sturgeon says she was “misled” after Murrell’s guilty plea

May 25, 2026 12:46 pm

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Former First Minister and SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said she was “misled just as others were” after her estranged husband Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling SNP funds.

Murrell, who served as CEO of the SNP for over 20 years, admitted to embezzling over £400,000 in party funds at the Edinburgh High Court on Monday morning (MAY 25).

The former First Minister was married to Murrell from 2010, and the couple separated in 2025.

In a statement following his plea, Sturgeon expressed her “profound personal trauma” regarding the case.

Peter Murrell leaves the High Court Edinburgh in a prison van after he pleaded guilty to embezzlement and was remanded in custody. Picture Alan Simpson
25/5/2026

Sturgeon said: “My reaction to the guilty plea tendered today by my former husband is difficult to put into words. I am angry, hurt, sad and very distressed about the impact of his actions on family, friends and the SNP.

“To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain. Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension.

“To be clear: I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes. I am utterly appalled that he did so and cannot begin to understand why. That I was fully cleared after a thorough investigation underlines that these are not my crimes. I was misled just as others were.

“I know that there will be political discussion in light of what has happened, and I understand why. However, for me this has also been a profound personal trauma. I need to remain focussed on recovering from that and building a new phase of life. I will be making no further comment.”

Murrell has been remand e d in custody, with BBC News reporting that Murrell was “handcuffed and led from the dock after his guilty plea.”

Originally charged with embezzlement of £459,046.49 the total sum was reduced to £400,310.65.

Details of the charges became public in February this year when they were first reported in the Scottish Sun. Both Ms Sturgeon and Colin Beattie MSP were arrested in connection with the Police Scotland investigation Operation Branchform, but were not charged and were released. They have both been cleared of any wrongdoing.