John Swinney apologises for ‘overwhelming betrayal’ by Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell in £400,000 embezzlement scandal

John Swinney has offered his apologies to the Scottish National Party's donors after former chief executive Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,000.

Murrell, 61, who is former first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, was alleged to have used the money to buy items including a motorhome and luxury goods, as well as to purchase two cars.

Addressing the news at a press conference, the SNP leader and current First Minister said: “I am sorry to the people who are affected; I’m quite happy to say that.

“The person responsible for this is Peter Murrell; it's not my conduct that got us to this – it's Peter Murrell’s.

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“If it helps, I'll say sorry to everyone involved."

In the statement from the Marriott Hotel in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney said Murrell’s actions were a “terrible breach of trust and overwhelming betrayal”.

“I share the overwhelming anger of SNP members,” he said.

“By embezzling from the SNP, Peter Murrell was stealing the hopes, the dreams and the aspirations of thousands of people all over Scotland.”

The First Minister said his mind was occupied by the “decent people” who had raised money through humble efforts like jumble sales.

When asked about the position of Ms Sturgeon, Mr Swinney said he believed that she knew nothing of her estranged husband’s actions.

Taking to Instagram, Ms Sturgeon wrote: “My reaction to the guilty plea tendered today by my former husband is difficult to put into words.

“I am angry, hurt, sad and very distressed about the impact of his actions on family, friends and the SNP.

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“To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain. Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension.

“To be clear: I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes,” she said.

“I do believe her,” Mr Swinney said when asked by reporters, adding: "She was not aware.

“I believe that, and I acknowledged that.

“If I feel sore today, I can’t imagine how Nicola Sturgeon feels,” the First Minister said.

Murrell was remanded into custody after pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh.

He was first arrested in April 2023, as police investigated the SNP finance's and was charged in April 2024.

The indictment included allegations Murrell used party funds to buy a £124,550 motorhome for his own personal use.

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