John Swinney denies 'sweeping Murrell scandal under carpet'

Peter Murrell admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from SNP funds over a 12-year period up to 2022. He used party money for hundreds of illicit purchases, including personal items and luxury goods such as a motorhome and cars. John Swinney denied any attempt to sweep the scandal under the carpet and described the crime as a terrible breach of trust and an overwhelming betrayal. Swinney said an extensive police investigation found the offending was Murrell’s sole responsibility and said it was irrelevant that he appointed Murrell as chief executive in 2001. Rachael Hamilton criticized the lack of further action against Nicola Sturgeon, who denied wrongdoing and said she had no knowledge of any personal purchases made with SNP funds.

"Swinney described Murrell's crime as a "terrible breach of trust and an overwhelming betrayal". He said there had been an "extensive police investigation" and that the offending was the former SNP chief executive's sole responsibility. The first minister said it was "irrelevant" that he had appointed Murrell as SNP chief executive in 2001 during his first spell as party leader."

"Hamilton accused Swinney of "desperately trying to sweep this scandal under the carpet". She said the public would question why Sturgeon did not face further criminal investigation. Hamilton, referencing the purchase of expensive pens, watches and a coffee machine, told MSPs: "This is unbelievable normal married couples would question where this money came from.""

"Sturgeon has denied any wrongdoing and said she had "no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds". Murrell - Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband - potentially faces a lengthy jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to embezzling 400,310.65 over a 12-year period up to 2022. The 61-year-old used party funds to make hundreds of illicit purchases, ranging from handcream and towels to a luxury motorhome and two cars."

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