Scottish First Minister John Swinney avoids questions about receiving details of an embezzlement charge against Peter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, nearly a month before public disclosure.
Swinney’s Response During Perth Visit
During a visit to a mental health charity in Perth, Swinney repeatedly declines to comment, stating: ‘This is a live criminal case and I’m not going to make any comment.’
When pressed on the delay in publicizing the charge, he repeats the same position. Asked about a potential future statement, Swinney emphasizes: ‘Parliament has got to be very clear about the importance of respecting the independence of the criminal process within our country and within our courts, and I intend to respect that.’
Details of the Notification and Charge
An email from Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, dated January 19, notifies Swinney of the accusation against Murrell, former SNP chief executive. The indictment becomes public on February 13.
Murrell faces charges of embezzling nearly £460,000 from the SNP between August 2010 and January 2023. Prosecutors allege he used the funds for a motorhome, luxury goods, and two cars.
The email circulates to other Scottish Government officials. The Crown Office clarifies that the Lord Advocate holds no involvement in case decisions. A spokesperson explains: ‘The Lord Advocate provided the First Minister with an update to ensure it was understood she was not involved in the case, that it was active for contempt of court, and therefore it should not be commented upon. This message was sent formally after the indictment had been served in order to form part of the record and ensure transparency in due course.’
Political Reactions
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay demands answers, stating: ‘There appears to be no good reason as to why the Lord Advocate should issue John Swinney with a private warning about the alleged scale of the SNP fraud case – while the public are told the bare minimum. This extraordinary revelation suggests something is rotten at the heart of the relationship between John Swinney and Scotland’s independent prosecution chief.’
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar comments on social media: ‘This looks dodgy. John Swinney and the Lord Advocate have serious questions to answer.’
Tory MSP Douglas Ross submits an Urgent Question to the Scottish Parliament, noting: ‘This revelation raises serious questions for the Lord Advocate. Dorothy Bain was appointed by the SNP First Minister and sits in Cabinet.’
Court Proceedings Update
Murrell’s next High Court appearance shifts from February 20 in Glasgow to May 25 in Edinburgh, post-Holyrood election. Business Minister Graeme Dey confirms: ‘Scheduling of trials is a matter for the independent judiciary and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.’
A Scottish Government spokesperson adds: ‘It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to comment on live criminal proceedings.’
Sturgeon and Murrell announced their separation in January last year.
