Peter Murrell sentenced to five years as SNP faces criticism over misuse of £600k ring‑fenced donations

Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years in the Edinburgh High Court after admitting he embezzled more than £400,000 of party funds over a 12‑year period.

Former Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said the SNP is now “throwing away the key” by avoiding scrutiny of more than £600,000 in donations that were supposed to be ring‑fenced for a future IndyRef2 campaign. She accused the party of sidestepping accountability and of using “cant” to deflect criticism of its internal governance.

The scandal has highlighted resistance within the SNP’s National Executive Committee to investigate the finances, with allegations that senior party figures blocked inquiries and redirected money while the SNP was governing Scotland.