SNP writes off £124,550 motorhome linked to embezzler Peter Murrell

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has officially written off the £124,550 cost of a luxury motorhome purchased by former chief executive Peter Murrell. This decision comes in the wake of Murrell's conviction for embezzling party funds. The vehicle, a Niesmann and Bischoff model, was bought in late 2020 and was claimed to be intended for campaigning purposes, but it was largely unused and parked at Murrell's mother's home until it was seized by authorities.

The SNP’s financial disclosure, published by the Electoral Commission, reveals a drop in party membership to below 51,000, down about 5,000 from the previous year. This decline underscores the financial challenges facing the party amid the fallout from Murrell's actions. However, the accounts also indicate that the SNP has managed to maintain a cash surplus of £509,903, a significant recovery from a nearly £400,000 deficit the year before, following a redundancy drive in 2024.

First Minister John Swinney defended the party's financial health, asserting that the accounts show the SNP remains in a "formidable financial strength." The party reported around £1.7 million in income from membership fees last year. Despite the alarming revelations regarding Murrell's embezzlement, which totaled over £400,000, Swinney emphasized the party's ability to run a well-resourced campaign, contributing to their recent election successes.

The ongoing investigation into the SNP’s finances, termed Operation Branchform, continues to cast a shadow over the party. Although Murrell has not formally requested repayment of a £60,000 loan he provided to the SNP in 2021, the party stated it will seek to recover the full amount embezzled during an upcoming proceeds of crime hearing. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact the SNP’s financial stability moving forward.