Swinney Dismisses Demands for Parliamentary Probe into Murrell Case

First Minister John Swinney has turned down requests for a Holyrood investigation into Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP. Murrell, who is also the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty on Monday to embezzling over £400,000 from the party, a confession that has set the stage for a significant prison term.

During the inaugural session of First Minister’s Questions following the election, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged Swinney to support a parliamentary inquiry. However, Swinney argued that such a probe was unnecessary, citing the thoroughness of a five-year "forensic" police investigation that had already concluded.

Murrell, who served as the party’s chief executive from 2001 until 2023, admitted to misappropriating funds over a 12-year span. The stolen money was reportedly used to purchase a motorhome, several cars, and numerous luxury items, including jewellery. Some of these gifts were given to Sturgeon. Murrell is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

The case has drawn attention to Sturgeon’s own involvement in the legal proceedings. She was arrested and released without charge in June 2023, subsequently being informed by police that she was no longer a suspect in the matter.

Sarwar argued that a Holyrood inquiry, modeled after the investigation into the Scottish government’s mishandling of sexual harassment allegations against Alex Salmond, was essential to examine the SNP’s internal culture. He described this environment as one defined by "cover-up and secrecy." Sarwar accused Swinney of contributing to this atmosphere by having "helped to build, enable and defend" it.

Addressing Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), Sarwar stated, "Yes, Peter Murrell is responsible for his crimes, but secrecy and cover-up go far beyond one individual or one case." He added that the core issue was an SNP culture where "secrecy became normal, dissent dangerous, and people learnt that speaking out carried a heavy price, all while those at the top of the SNP machine operated without scrutiny."

Sarwar emphasized that an inquiry would scrutinize decision-making processes and cultural norms to provide answers to public concerns. "It's to answer the many questions that the public have," he said, noting the inquiry would also identify lessons for the future.

Swinney firmly rejected the proposal, labeling Sarwar’s approach as "victim blaming." He told parliament, "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."

While reiterating his condemnation of Murrell’s actions and expressing that he was "appalled" by his conduct, Swinney shifted focus to the government’s agenda. He outlined priorities such as reducing NHS waiting lists, expanding funded childcare, and assisting first-time homebuyers.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay joined the criticism, asserting that both Swinney and Sturgeon had enabled Murrell’s actions. "Sturgeon warned SNP members to stop asking difficult questions, and John Swinney assured everyone that the SNP's finances were sound," Findlay told parliament. "Their shield of protection gave Murrell a licence to steal, and people want to know why Nicola Sturgeon was not in the dock beside her husband."

Findlay called on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to release the reasoning behind its prosecution decisions. He also referenced reports suggesting Murrell might have embezzled taxpayer funds distributed by the Electoral Commission for policy development, sparking speculation about a potential Westminster-led inquiry into the misuse of public money.

In response, Swinney maintained that "the highest standards" were applied during the criminal investigation. He noted that the Crown Office does not publish the rationale for its decisions and told Findlay, "If Mr Findlay had a shred of decency about him, he would express his respect for the judicial system in Scotland."

Furthermore, Swinney denied that any public funds had been stolen by Murrell. He clarified that Electoral Commission grants were only released after the SNP submitted an audited report detailing how the money would be utilized.

Sturgeon resigned as First Minister in March 2023.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-28 12:36:28 UTC