Nicola Sturgeon denies knowledge of Peter Murrell spending spree after estranged husband pleads guilty to embezzlement

Sturgeon, who dramatically resigned as first minister in 2023, has denied any involvement in her husband’s embezzlement.

Nicola Sturgeon has denied knowledge of a 10-year spending spree undertaken by her husband Peter Murrell which led to his conviction for embezzlement.

The former chief executive of the SNP today pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to embezzling more than £400,000 of party funds.

Murrell married Sturgeon in 2010 and she announced their separation in January 2025.

Sturgeon said: “We had separate bank accounts and I had no access to his financial records.”

Murrell has admitted using the SNP’s money to buy items including a motorhome and luxury goods, and towards the purchase of two cars.

A list of hundreds of other purchases includes designer kitchenware, multiple pairs of shoes, expensive pens and a £1,200 space telescope.

In a statement released via her solicitor Aamer Anwar, Sturgeon said: “I have seen questions raised about how I could not have known about this. I want to reiterate that I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds.

“I was cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy and thorough investigation

“In relation to many of the items in question, for example expensive watches and games consoles, I was not aware of them having been purchased at all.

“Indeed in relation to the item of largest value – a campervan – I was not aware of its existence until it featured in the police investigation in early 2023, nor was it parked in our driveway as has been claimed by some.

“In respect of any items I was aware of Peter having purchased, I had no reason to doubt that he had used his own money. We were both earning high salaries and, due to the responsibilities of my job, rarely socialised or went on holidays. We had separate bank accounts and I had no access to his financial records.”