Legal aid for Murrell could end if SNP repays loan
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Mr Murrell was first arrested in April 2023 as part of the police investigation into the SNP's finances. He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March this year, where he faced a charge of embezzlement, making no plea.
Until he stood down in 2023 during the leadership race to succeed his now estranged wife, Nicola Sturgeon, he had been chief executive of the SNP for more than 20 years.
SLAB said no payments have been made so far, following a successful application for solemn legal aid by Mr Murrell's lawyers on April 30.
A spokesperson said that when assessing someone's eligibility for legal aid, they consider the applicant's financial position at the time of the application, including salary, bank balance and any investments.
'Peter Murrell's application met the tests we have to apply when deciding whether to grant legal aid,' they said.
SLAB's guidance indicates that debts owed to an applicant may be counted as capital, particularly if the money is recoverable. However, the board has discretion to disregard these assets if they are deemed 'trapped' or not readily accessible.
Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon are to divorce (Image: Newsquest) The Herald asked SLAB whether the £60,000 owed by the SNP was factored into Mr Murrell's assessment, and whether that sum could be clawed back by the legal aid board if repaid in future.
SLAB was also asked whether the SNP's status as both debtor and alleged victim of embezzlement had any impact on its decision-making.
A spokesperson said: 'We cannot comment on the specifics of an individual's application for legal aid.
'Any grant of legal aid is made on the condition that we must be advised of any change of financial circumstances during the lifetime of a case.
'If any material change means the client is no longer eligible to continue to receive legal aid, we will terminate the grant.'
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said: 'The public will be rightly outraged if the SNP's failure to repay their £60,000 debt to Peter Murrell is the reason why Scottish taxpayers are picking up the tab for his legal costs.
'The SNP should have severed all ties with their disgraced former chief executive years ago. They must explain why they have still not repaid this loan, given it now appears to be directly hitting hardworking Scots in the pocket.'
The SNP has been approached for comment.
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