Ex-SNP chief Peter Murrell pleads guilty to embezzling £400,000

Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty on Monday to embezzling over £400,000 (US$540,000) from the Scottish National Party (SNP) while serving as its chief executive. The funds were used to support a lavish lifestyle. SNP leader John Swinney expressed horror and a sense of betrayal, stating that Murrell stole the hopes of thousands of supporters. The plea concludes a five-year police investigation and marks a tumultuous period for Scotland's dominant party. Murrell's embezzlement came to light amid internal turmoil following the SNP's strong performance in the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, with questions swirling about party finances and declining membership. Sturgeon, who had led Scotland for over eight years, abruptly resigned in February 2023, citing personal conviction that the time was right.