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Why Did the Lord Advocate Brief Swinney on Murrell Charge?
First Minister John Swinney cites a longstanding tradition of briefing on sensitive cases to prevent prejudicing prosecutions despite criticism over political advantage claims.
- Tuesday's documents show that Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain briefed First Minister on charges against Peter Murrell in March 2025, months before public reports in February 2026.
- The Lord Advocate's dual role, created by the Scotland Act 1998, dates back to that legislation and the Scottish Government commissioned research into the role.
- Recalled to Holyrood, Bain explained that she had not seen the March 2025 document before entering and published files on around 30 instances.
- Opponents say the briefing conferred a `political advantage`, while First Minister John Swinney defended the practice and said ministers will set out further steps after considering commissioned research.
- Murrell is due in court on May 25 for a preliminary hearing over alleged embezzlement of £460,000 and the case is live under the Contempt of Court Act; ministers are considering research later this year on splitting the Lord Advocate's dual role.
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Lord Advocate claimed she 'wasn't aware' of fact she tipped off John Swinney LAST Year about Peter Murrell case - Scottish Daily Express
Dorothy Bain was hauled in front of MSPs again to reveal why she tipped off the First Minister details about the charge Peter Murrell faced – 11 months before it was made public.
Evening Standard+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
‘Entirely appropriate’ for Lord Advocate to brief First Minister, Swinney says
John Swinney said there is a ‘long standing tradition’ of lord advocates providing information to the head of the government on ‘sensitive’ cases.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 43%
C 50%
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