The announcement follows a turbulent year for the pair. Murrell was arrested and later charged in 2023 in connection with the alleged embezzlement of SNP funds…reports London Daily Digital
Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, has announced her decision to divorce her husband, Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The separation, revealed through a heartfelt Instagram post, comes after a prolonged period of personal and professional upheaval for the couple.
“With a heavy heart, I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage,” Sturgeon wrote. “To all intents and purposes, we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are. It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other and always will.”
The announcement follows a turbulent year for the pair. Murrell was arrested and later charged in 2023 in connection with the alleged embezzlement of SNP funds. Sturgeon herself was arrested as part of the same investigation, dubbed Operation Branchform, though she has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors are still reviewing the case, with no immediate decision on further actions.
Sturgeon, who has been focused on writing her memoir, has stepped back from the political spotlight since resigning as First Minister in February 2023. She is not expected to seek re-election in 2026 and has shifted her focus to literary endeavors, including public discussions with crime novelist Val McDermid.
A Political Power Couple
Sturgeon and Murrell were once seen as the most influential duo in Scottish politics. Their partnership, which began in 2003, drew both admiration and criticism due to their dual roles at the top of the SNP. They married in 2010, during Sturgeon’s tenure as deputy to former First Minister Alex Salmond.
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Sturgeon reflected on the personal toll of their high-profile roles. “It was all-consuming for a long, long time,” she admitted.
Renewed Controversy
The interview reignited tensions with allies of Alex Salmond, whose relationship with Sturgeon has been strained since a 2020 trial cleared him of sexual harassment charges. Sturgeon acknowledged Salmond’s alleged bullying behavior, expressing sympathy for his accusers and describing the impact of the events as “pretty hard.”
Moira Salmond, Alex Salmond’s widow, issued a rare public statement criticizing Sturgeon’s remarks, accusing her of attempting to tarnish Salmond’s reputation. “It has caused me and the wider family great distress,” she said, adding that the family cannot legally defend Salmond’s reputation now that he is deceased.
Moving Forward
While the legal and political ramifications of Operation Branchform continue to unfold, Sturgeon appears to be preparing for a life beyond politics. With a memoir on the horizon and a series of literary events scheduled, the former First Minister is stepping into a new chapter.
No further comments have been issued by Sturgeon or Murrell, who remain under public scrutiny as investigations into the SNP’s finances continue.
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