Scottish First Minister John Swinney avoided questions Tuesday about receiving details of an embezzlement charge against Peter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, nearly a month before its public disclosure.
An email from Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain on January 19 informed Swinney of the accusation against Murrell, former SNP chief executive. The charge details emerged publicly only on February 13.
Details of the Charge
Murrell faces allegations of embezzling nearly £460,000 from the SNP between August 2010 and January 2023. Prosecutors claim he used the funds for a motorhome, luxury goods, and two cars.
The Crown Office states the Lord Advocate played no role in case decisions. The email aimed to create a record, clarify her non-involvement, and promote future transparency after the indictment served.
Swinney’s Response
During a visit to a mental health charity in Perth, Swinney declined comment, citing the ongoing criminal case. He repeated: “This is a live criminal case and I’m not going to make any comment.”
Pressed on the delay in public disclosure, he reiterated the stance. On potential statements, Swinney emphasized: “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.”
Political Reactions
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay questioned the private notification: “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.”
He added: “This extraordinary revelation suggests something is rotten at the heart of the relationship between John Swinney and Scotland’s independent prosecution chief, who remains a member of his cabinet.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar commented on X: “This looks dodgy. John Swinney and the Lord Advocate have serious questions to answer.”
Tory MSP Douglas Ross plans an Urgent Question in the Scottish Parliament Wednesday, stating: “This revelation raises serious questions for the Lord Advocate. Dorothy Bain was appointed by the SNP First Minister and sits in Cabinet.”
Court Schedule and Official Statements
Murrell’s next court appearance shifted from February 20 in Glasgow to May 25 in Edinburgh, post-Holyrood election. Business Minister Graeme Dey noted: “Scheduling of trials is a matter for the independent judiciary and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.”
A Crown Office spokesperson explained: “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.”
The Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to comment on live criminal proceedings.”
Sturgeon and Murrell announced their marriage end in January 2025.
