The SNP’s former chief executive and husband to Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, faces charges as the extensive probe into the party’s finances continues

Peter Murrell, the husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has been formally charged with embezzlement related to the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) finances. This development is the latest in a series of events that have captivated Scottish political circles and the public.

The charge comes after a detailed investigation by Police Scotland, dubbed Operation Branchform, which began in July 2021 following allegations concerning the misuse of party funds earmarked for a new independence referendum campaign. The focus intensified when over £660,000 in donations raised questions about their allocation and usage within the party.

Murrell, 59, who served as the SNP’s chief executive for 22 years before resigning in March last year, was taken into custody early Thursday morning for questioning. After extensive interrogation, he was charged and later released, returning to his home near Glasgow.

This isn’t the first time Murrell has faced legal scrutiny; he was previously arrested in April 2023 but was released without charges at that time. His recent charge marks a significant escalation in the ongoing financial investigation surrounding the SNP, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.

The implications of Murrell’s charge extend beyond his personal legal troubles, impacting the broader political landscape in Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon, his wife and former leader of the SNP, was also entangled in this investigation, having been arrested and questioned in June 2023, though she was released without charge.

As the investigation unfolds, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) will now review the police report to determine whether the case will proceed to court. This process involves a thorough assessment of the evidence to establish whether a crime was indeed committed and if prosecuting Murrell is in the public interest.

The ongoing saga continues to stir discussions and concerns about the integrity of political financing in Scotland. As the legal proceedings continue, the public and political analysts alike await further developments with keen interest, understanding that the outcomes could have lasting effects on the credibility and future of the SNP.