SNP to pursue Peter Murrell for money he embezzled from party

Its national executive committee (NEC) agreed to a proposal by First Minister John Swinney to launch a compensation order.

It comes after Murrell, the party’s former chief executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, pled guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP over a 12-year period.

Mr Swinney previously spoke of his “horror” at the “colossal breach of trust”.

He told journalists he was “absolutely gutted at the behaviour that has been perpetrated” and “utterly devastated”.

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The Crown Office is already bringing a confiscation order against Murrell under proceeds of crime laws to seize certain assets.

An SNP spokesman said: “Last night NEC members met for a discussion and to hear from the party’s solicitors on how we proceed in the best interests of our party, our members and the cause of independence.

“The meeting was called by John Swinney and it was unanimously agreed by NEC members that the SNP will seek to recover the money that was stolen from us by Peter Murrell.

“The meeting last night reflects the substantial governance structures and strengthened transparency put in place under John Swinney’s leadership and our solicitors will now begin action in court to recover that money.

“Our party was betrayed by Peter Murrell and while this may take some time, if we are successful we will use that money for the purpose in which it was donated - securing Scotland’s rightful place as an independent country.”

Murrell’s lawyer previously told the High Court in Edinburgh that the house he shared with Ms Sturgeon could be sold to repay some of the embezzled money.