Sturgeon wishes she had not kept Murrell on as SNP chief executive

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Sturgeon wishes she had not kept Murrell on as SNP chief executive11 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GooglePaul O'HareBBC Scotland News Nicola Sturgeon said she didn't feel it was fair for Murrell to lose his job when she took over as SNP leader in 2014Nicola Sturgeon has said she wishes she had not kept Peter Murrell on as SNP chief executive when she became party leader in 2014. The former first minister described her now estranged husband as a "key figure" in the party's success under her late predecessor Alex Salmond. Sturgeon also said she did not think it was fair that Murrell - who embezzled more than £400,000 from the SNP over a 12-year period - should lose his job when she was promoted.

But she told the audience at a book festival in Wales: "Definitely, with the benefit of hindsight, that was a decision I wish I had taken differently. " On Monday Murrell admitted using party funds to purchase items including luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome. He was remanded in custody following the plea and could face a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced on 23 June.

The Details

An examination of facts surrounding the case is due to be heard on 2 June. PA MediaThe former SNP leader was questioned by detectives as part of the police investigation which led to the arrest of her husband Peter MurrellSturgeon appeared at the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, in Powys, in conversation with journalist Francine Stock to promote her 2025 memoir, Frankly. She told the audience that Salmond, who later expressed reservations about the couple's professional roles, had appointed Murrell in 2000.

And the ex-MSP said her estranged husband's offending, which started in 2010, pre-dated her election as party leader. Sturgeon said: "My judgement was that the chief executive was not line-manged by the party leader. There is a national executive committee.

"My judgement was that it was not fair for him to lose his job, that he had done well, because I was taking on a new job. "If I could turn back the clock, of course, I would take a different decision. "The former first minister said she took responsibility for keeping Murrell in his post but added: "I still don't think that makes me responsible for somebody committing a crime.

What Experts Say

"Sturgeon says she was deceived and betrayed over Murrell embezzlementSwinney rejects call for Holyrood inquiry into MurrellOn Thursday, Sturgeon appeared at a writers' event in Listowel, County Kerry to promote her book. She told the audience it had been the "worst week of her life," adding she had dealt with the fallout from Murrell's plea in the public gaze. Sturgeon said: "Just as other people have been, I have been deceived.

"I have been misled, I have been lied to and I have been betrayed, and I won't be the last woman who has been betrayed by her husband. "She added that she would "probably need to sit with a therapist", saying that "this is a long-winded way of saying I am not OK".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.