Former SNP CEO Peter Murrell Receives Taxpayer-Funded Legal Aid Amid Embezzlement Charge

Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP and estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, has been granted legal aid by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to cover his defense costs in an embezzlement case. Murrell, who loaned the SNP £107,620 in 2021 but is still owed around £60,000, was arrested in April 2023 as part of a police investigation into SNP finances and appeared in court without entering a plea. The legal aid board stated that Murrell met the financial eligibility criteria based on his salary and assets, though no payments have been made yet. The decision to grant legal aid has drawn criticism from Scottish Conservative and Labour politicians, who argue it is inappropriate for taxpayers to fund his legal defense given the charges and the SNP's financial situation. Murrell stood down in 2023 during the SNP leadership race and has been under scrutiny amid ongoing investigations into where significant party funds went. Nicola Sturgeon has been cleared of wrongdoing and the couple are in the process of divorcing.