Nicola Sturgeon ‘has not spoken to’ estranged husband, Peter Murrell, since he was jailed

Nicola Sturgeon Has Not Spoken to Peter Murrell Since Jailed

Wanderstayfinder.com – Nicola Sturgeon has not spoken to her estranged husband Peter Murrell since he was sentenced to prison for embezzlement. The former Scottish first minister revealed in a candid podcast interview that she has completely cut off communication with Murrell following his guilty plea in June. During the Edinburgh festival fringe recording, the 55-year-old politician described feeling betrayed and foolish for worrying about his wellbeing during the investigation period. This revelation marks a significant moment in the personal and political aftermath of Scotland’s most high-profile corruption case. Murrell, aged 61, received a five-year sentence after admitting to misappropriating more than £400,000 in SNP party funds over twelve years.

A Marriage Broken by Deception

Speaking with broadcaster Iain Dale, Sturgeon painted a vivid picture of a relationship eroded by years of dishonesty. She explained that despite Murrell’s increasing isolation during the investigation—rarely leaving their home and becoming withdrawn—she found herself concerned about his mental health rather than questioning his actions.

He was still lying to me right up until the day he pled guilty.

The former first minister admitted she only learned of Murrell’s impending guilty plea a week before his court appearance, despite negotiations having been underway for months. This delayed revelation left her feeling blindsided by the scale of deception occurring behind closed doors.

That hit me like a tonne of bricks. He was still lying to me right up until the day he pled guilty.

Sturgeon’s reflections reveal a woman grappling with the realization that she had been living alongside someone she barely knew. She described feeling like a “mug” for her concern, noting that Murrell had shown little regard for her feelings during the ordeal.

And then, now I think: ‘What a mug, why were you worried about him?’ He didn’t worry about me. He didn’t worry at all about what he was doing.

The emotional toll has been substantial, with Sturgeon confirming she would not visit Murrell in prison and has no intention of speaking to him.

Financial Misconduct and Personal Impact

The embezzlement, spanning from 2010 to 2022, covered a period of significant political change for both the SNP and the couple personally. Murrell used the stolen funds for a variety of purchases ranging from practical items to luxury goods. Among the items acquired with party money were a motorhome, a Jaguar SUV, and a Volkswagen Golf. More unusual purchases included boutique cosmetics, iPads, and a pair of Lalique Feuilles salt and pepper grinders valued at £2,618. The motorhome, in particular, became a point of contention, as it was stored at Sturgeon’s mother-in-law’s house for years.

Sturgeon has consistently maintained that she had no prior knowledge of the financial irregularities. She was not charged following the police investigation and has refused to apologize for Murrell’s crimes, though she acknowledged making an error of judgment by retaining him as SNP chief executive when she assumed party leadership in November 2014.

Over the years, he never really levelled with me. The day he pled guilty, I was still learning about some of the detail of what he had done for the first time.

Looking Forward After the Scandal

The timing of Sturgeon’s podcast appearance is significant, coming as she continues to assess her political future following her departure from frontline politics. The scandal has cast a long shadow over her legacy, with critics questioning her oversight of party finances during her tenure.

But whatever that motivation was, he could not have stopped and ever thought about me. But I was, until recently, still worrying about him.

The former first minister acknowledged that coming to terms with the situation remains an ongoing process, not just for herself but for her entire family.

She described the experience as “beyond anything I could ever have comprehended,” expressing genuine confusion about Murrell’s motivations given that he had no financial need to commit the fraud.

I don’t understand why he did it, he had no need to do it. I don’t think I will ever understand his motivations.

As Scotland’s political landscape continues to evolve, Sturgeon’s willingness to speak publicly about her personal struggles demonstrates her determination to address both the political and human dimensions of one of the most damaging scandals in recent Scottish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Peter Murrell sentenced to prison? Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years in prison in June 2026 after admitting to misappropriating more than £400,000 in SNP party funds over a twelve-year period from 2010 to 2022.

Has Nicola Sturgeon apologized for Murrell’s crimes? No, Sturgeon has refused to apologize for Murrell’s crimes. However, she acknowledged making an error of judgment by retaining him as SNP chief executive when she assumed party leadership in November 2014.

What items did Murrell purchase with party funds? Murrell used the stolen funds for various purchases including a motorhome, a Jaguar SUV, a Volkswagen Golf, boutique cosmetics, iPads, and a pair of Lalique Feuilles salt and pepper grinders valued at £2,618.

Will Nicola Sturgeon visit Peter Murrell in prison? Sturgeon confirmed she would not visit Murrell in prison, stating categorically that she had no intention of speaking to him since he was jailed.

Was Nicola Sturgeon charged in connection with the embezzlement? No, Sturgeon was not charged following the police investigation into the embezzlement scandal. She has consistently maintained that she had no prior knowledge of the financial irregularities.