One of the most influential figures in modern Scottish politics has been jailed after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP over a twelve year period.
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday after pleading guilty to embezzling party funds between 2010 and 2022.
Murrell, who served as the party’s chief executive during a period in which the SNP dominated Scottish politics and won multiple Holyrood and Westminster elections, showed little reaction as the sentence was imposed before being led from court in handcuffs.
The court heard that Murrell used party money to purchase a wide range of goods, including vehicles, household items and a £124,550 motorhome that was later seized by police.
Sentencing him, Lord Young described the offences as a significant breach of trust and said Murrell had used his senior position within the party to avoid detection for years.
The judge said Murrell had carried out a large number of fraudulent acts over a twelve year period, with the offending increasing in frequency over time and eventually exceeding £400,000.
Lord Young told the court that Murrell’s position as chief executive allowed him to “circumvent checks and balances” and described his actions as calculated and dishonest.
The sentence was reduced from seven years because Murrell entered a guilty plea before trial.
During mitigation, Murrell’s lawyer said his client had accepted full responsibility for his actions and was overwhelmed by feelings of embarrassment and shame.
The court also heard there were sufficient funds available to repay the embezzled money.
The sentencing prompted an immediate political reaction.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said:
“Peter Murrell has been brought to justice for his crimes, although he could be out in just over two years due to weak SNP sentencing policies.
“But the question remains: how did he get away with this brazen and large-scale crime spree for so many years?
“The hard truth for Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney is that they effectively enabled Murrell.
“By assuring SNP members that the finances were sound, and issuing warnings to those raising valid concerns, they allowed Murrell to think that he was untouchable.
“It was only when Police Scotland were alerted to the missing independence referendum funds that they discovered Murrell’s thefts.
“It’s no wonder that Swinney is so desperate to thwart an inquiry which would examine many issues, including whether public money was stolen.”
The case marks a dramatic fall from power for a man who spent decades at the centre of the SNP and played a major role in shaping modern Scottish politics.
It also leaves serious questions for the party about oversight, accountability and how such a large scale fraud was able to continue for so long.
