PETER MURRELL SPENT £400,000 IN SNP FUNDS PROBE

Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party and ex-husband of Nicola Sturgeon, made purchases totalling £400,000 that are now subject to investigation. The spending forms part of a broader inquiry into the SNP's finances. Authorities identified the expenditure as a key element of the financial probe. The purchases are being examined in connection with the party's use of funds.

Murrell served as SNP chief executive for over two decades before resigning in 2023 following questions about the party's membership figures. Police Scotland launched Operation Branchform to investigate how approximately £600,000 in ring-fenced SNP funds was spent. Murrell was arrested in April 2023 and released without charge pending further investigation. The inquiry has focused on whether funds raised specifically for a second independence referendum were used for other purposes.

The investigation represents one of the most significant financial probes into a major UK political party in recent years. Nicola Sturgeon herself was also arrested and released without charge as part of the same inquiry. The Crown Office retains responsibility for any decision on whether charges will be brought. Operation Branchform remains active, and no charges have been confirmed against any individual as of the available reporting.