Peter Murrell Charged With Embezzlement in SNP Finance Probe
The Facts
Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been charged in connection with the embezzlement SNP donations worth approximately £660K ($821K).
Police Scotland announced, having been arrested on Thursday at 9:13AM, a 59-year-old man was charged at 6:35PM the same day after further questioning concerning "the funding and finances" of the SNP.
The Spin
Narrative A
Murrell's charges are yet another blow to the reputation and legacy of the SNP. Having pitched himself as Sturgeon's natural heir, First Minister Humza Yousaf can now only focus on damage limitation, as growing accusations of corruption cast a bleak shadow over his party. The SNP cannot be viewed as anything other than a sinking ship as the UK edges towards its next general election.
Narrative B
While the charges against Murrell and the accusations against Sturgeon are shocking, the former chief executive of the SNP remains innocent until he is found guilty in a court of law. Nothing has yet been proven, and while accusations concerning the couple's professional integrity certainly need answering, conclusions cannot be drawn until the investigation is a closed case.