Peers in the House of Lords are reportedly considering a new investigation into the embezzlement scandal involving former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was jailed for stealing more than £400,000 in party funds. This potential inquiry comes after a bid for a Holyrood investigation was voted down in Scotland, with the Scottish Greens joining the SNP in opposition.
A senior cross-bench peer, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that discussions about a potential Lords inquiry are underway, suggesting that "something must be done to clear the matter up." The peer added that while no formal move has been made yet, the matter is being discussed and they did not want to exclude themselves from a potential probe due to perceived bias.
House of Lords select committees possess significant investigative powers. Under parliamentary rules, they can issue formal summonses to witnesses and order the production of documents. Failure to comply with such orders could lead to a contempt of Parliament finding, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton stated that the Lords' consideration of involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for the truth to be uncovered. She criticized current SNP leader John Swinney for ruling out an inquiry, suggesting he is "running scared of scrutiny" and fears what an investigation might reveal about a "culture of cover-up" within the party.
Murrell, the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty in June to embezzling a total of £400,310.65 from the SNP between 2010 and 2022. He was sentenced to five years in prison. The funds were reportedly used for extravagant personal purchases, including a motorhome costing £124,550, as well as cars, jewelry, and other luxury items.
Calls for a parliamentary inquiry have intensified, with questions raised about whether public funds were involved and the extent to which party leadership may have enabled Murrell's actions through a lack of internal controls. Nicola Sturgeon has faced criticism for not publishing her statement to Police Scotland, and there has been controversy over delays in preliminary court hearings for Murrell.
Mr. Swinney has maintained that the SNP was the victim of fraud and that the Police Scotland investigation and Murrell's conviction should conclude the matter. He has stated he had no operational right to review party finances between 2004 and 2024, while Ms. Sturgeon maintains she was unaware of Murrell's decade-long crime spree.
Meanwhile, MPs on Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee are also considering whether to launch their own investigation into the affair. The Crown Office stated that the delay in Murrell's preliminary court hearing was in the "interests of justice" to allow his defense team more time to examine case documents.