Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP and the husband of Scotland’s former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, has today been arrested in connection with an investigation into the SNP’s finances. It is the latest development in Police Scotland’s 21-month-long probe into claims that Scotland’s governing party mismanaged funds. Below is a timeline of the events up to today…
March 2021 – Policy Scotland receives a complaint from Sean Clerkin about £666,000 raised to fund a second independence campaign. It is alleged that the ‘ring-fenced’ money has vanished from the party’s accounts. Three members of the party’s finance and audit committee resign.
May 2021 – Douglas Chapman resigns as SNP National Treasurer, saying he ‘had not received the support or financial information required to carry out the fiduciary duties’. Fellow SNP MP Joanna Cherry also quits her position on the SNP National Executive Committee also citing concerns over ‘transparency’ and scrutiny.
June 2021 – The SNP’s ruling body is forced to discuss the £666,000 sum, amid growing membership anger.
July 2021 – Police Scotland launch ‘Operation Branchform’, an investigation into the £666,000 Scexit sum, following seven complaints.
February 2023 – The police interview key witnesses within the SNP. The party’s president Mike Russell denies that more than £600,000 has gone missing. Nicola Sturgeon announces her intention to resign as First Minister.
March 2023 – Police Scotland are reportedly investigating high-value transactions, including vehicle purchases made by the SNP as part of the inquiry into alleged missing party funds.
April 2023 – Peter Murrell is arrested as part of a series of raids by Police Scotland.
