Humza Yousaf, Scotland's former first minister, has called for Peter Murrell to receive a “hefty” prison sentence after the former SNP chief executive pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,000 from the party. Speaking to the Stooshie politics podcast for the Dundee-based Courier newspaper, Yousaf expressed his anger at Murrell's actions, which he said undermined his short-lived tenure as first minister.
“First of all, let me say frankly how pissed off I am at Peter Murrell,” Yousaf said. “I hope he ends up with quite a hefty sentence, quite frankly, because he deserves it.” Murrell, who served as SNP chief executive for 22 years and was married to former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, admitted to stealing the funds, which included luxury items such as a £2,618 set of Lalique Feuilles salt and pepper grinders. Yousaf remarked, “I didn’t even know people made salt and pepper shakers that cost that sort of money.”
Murrell’s arrest in April 2023, just eight days after Yousaf became first minister, cast a shadow over his leadership. The scandal also led to the arrest of Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, both of whom were later cleared. Yousaf described Murrell’s betrayal as “hideous” and said the crisis made it difficult for him to govern effectively. He was also “flabbergasted” when police seized a £124,000 motorhome from Murrell’s mother’s home in Dunfermline.
Yousaf’s comments contrast with the cautious approach of current first minister John Swinney, who has refused to comment on Murrell’s fate until sentencing is complete. Murrell is due back in court on 2 June for further details on his crimes, with sentencing set for 23 June.
