LONDON, U.K.: Former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive Peter Murrell admitted in court on May 25 that he stole more than £400,000 from the party. He said he used the money to buy cars, a motorhome, and other luxury items.

Murrell is the former husband of ex-SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, who suddenly stepped down in 2023. This happened shortly before she was arrested during an investigation into the party's finances. She was later cleared of any wrongdoing in March last year.

The police investigation, Sturgeon's arrest, and Murrell's conviction have raised embarrassing questions for the SNP, which has been a major force in Scottish politics for nearly 20 years.

After Murrell admitted his guilt, Sturgeon repeated that she knew nothing about the misuse of party funds. She said she was shocked and did not understand why he had done it, adding that she had been misled, like everyone else.

In his written plea, Murrell admitted to taking £400,311 from the SNP between 2010 and 2023. This amount is about £60,000 less than what he was first accused of. Documents showed he spent the money on several vehicles and luxury products from brands such as Estée Lauder and Harrods.

Police said Murrell showed complete disrespect for the public trust placed in him and used the money to support a lifestyle he could not afford.

Murrell has been kept in custody and will be sentenced on June 23.

Current SNP leader John Swinney called Murrell's actions a serious betrayal of trust. However, both Swinney and Sturgeon have faced doubts from some former party members and opposition groups about how the situation was handled.

The Scottish Labour Party said the SNP tried to avoid proper scrutiny of its finances and called on Swinney to explain what he and the party knew, and when they knew it.