In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the financial dealings of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Peter Murrell, the party's former chief executive and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on March 20, 2025, facing a single charge of embezzlement. This marks a pivotal chapter in a saga that has drawn considerable public and media scrutiny.
During the private hearing, Murrell made no plea regarding the charge, which relates to financial discrepancies that have been under investigation since the operation was initiated back in 2021. The court has committed the case for further examination, and Murrell has been granted bail. At 60 years old, he is now awaiting his next court date, although no return date has yet been set.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) stated that the case has been handled independently and without influence from politically appointed officials. A spokesperson emphasized, “Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel are dealing with this case without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland’s prosecutors operate independently of political influence.” They also reminded the public that discussing active cases could result in contempt of court charges, which carry severe penalties.
This recent development occurred alongside news that Nicola Sturgeon is no longer a suspect in this police investigation. Sturgeon, who served as the First Minister of Scotland until her unexpected resignation in February 2023, had been apprehensive about the implications of the investigation swirling around her administration. She and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were part of an earlier inquiry that saw them arrested and released without charges in June 2023.
Operation Branchform, which has become synonymous with controversy surrounding the SNP’s funding, focuses specifically on the disappearance of around £600,000 raised for a campaign advocating Scottish independence. Sources close to the investigation noted that the proceedings have requested significant resources, with 11 police officers currently investigating the matter.
Both Sturgeon and Beattie were recently cleared of any allegations, which was a relief for Sturgeon, who had expressed her desire to see the matter resolved quickly. After her resignation, Sturgeon maintained that her decision was not influenced by the ongoing police inquiries. Following Murrell's court proceedings, Sturgeon and Beattie were confirmed as no longer under investigation as of March 20, 2025.
Murrell's charges stem from allegations made public in prior court documents and further statements provided to the media. In April 2023, police searched the couple’s home in relation to what was termed a “large-scale” inquiry into SNP finances, leading to Murrell's arrest earlier that same month.
Following his initial police inquiries, Murrell was released without charge after the police began focusing on potential embezzlement, which allegedly involves misusing funds that were originally earmarked for party activities. The controversy escalated after the police seized various assets, including a luxury motorhome located at Murrell's mother’s home in Fife.
With the formal charge against Murrell now on record, the focus sharpens on the future of the SNP amidst a backdrop of ongoing scrutiny. Sturgeon recently noted, “I knew nothing more about the police investigation
