John Swinney Rejects Holyrood Inquiry into Peter Murrell's Embezzlement

First Minister John Swinney has rejected demands for a Holyrood inquiry into Peter Murrell, the former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive, following his admission of embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty this week and faces sentencing next month.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged Swinney to support a parliamentary probe, drawing parallels to the inquiry into the Scottish government's handling of sexual harassment complaints against Alex Salmond. Sarwar argued an inquiry was essential to address what he termed the SNP's culture of “cover-up and secrecy,” which he accused Swinney of having helped “build, enable and defend.”

First Minister Defends Judicial Process

Swinney, however, dismissed the need for a further inquiry, asserting that a “five-year forensic police investigation” resulting in Murrell's guilty plea was sufficient. He told MSPs, “I do not think there is anything a parliamentary inquiry can add to a five-year forensic police investigation that has resulted in the successful prosecution of an individual and his guilty plea.” The First Minister condemned Murrell's actions, stating he was “appalled” by his conduct.

Murrell, who served as SNP chief executive from 2001 to 2023, admitted to embezzling funds over a 12-year period, spending them on a motorhome, cars, jewellery, and other luxury goods, some of which were gifted to Sturgeon. Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and released without charge in June 2023, later being informed she was no longer under investigation.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay claimed Swinney and Sturgeon had “enabled” Murrell, pointing to Sturgeon's previous warnings to SNP members about asking difficult questions and Swinney's assurances regarding the party's finances. Findlay also called for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to publish the reasoning behind its prosecution decisions.

Swinney maintained that “the highest standards” were applied to the criminal investigation and denied any public funds were embezzled by Murrell, stating Electoral Commission grants required audited reports for fund usage. Sturgeon, who resigned as First Minister in March 2023, reiterated through her lawyers that she had “no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds.”