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Scotland's top law officer not considering position over Murrell memo
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain said the memo aimed to protect judicial integrity and denied giving political advantage amid criticism from MSPs over early disclosure of Murrell charges.
- Bain told MSPs she is not considering her position after criticism over an email about Murrell, insisting the memo gave no political advantage.
- Bain said the memo was sent to protect the judicial process rather than influence it, confirm the indictment and remind ministers to avoid speculation, adding sharing such information with the first minister is "normal practice".
- Media reports last week detailed Peter Murrell is accused of embezzling £459,000 from the SNP between 2010 and 2023, including luxury goods, two cars, and a motorhome, and he stepped down as SNP chief executive in 2023 after being arrested in Operation Branchform.
- Opposition MSPs argued that the move 'smacks of corruption' and compromised neutrality, while the COPFS stated Bain is not involved in the Murrell case, and she says she is not considering her position.
- The preliminary hearing was postponed to 25 May at the High Court in Edinburgh after Murrell's defence requested the delay, so it will take place after the Holyrood election on 7 May.
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Lord Advocate rejects claim 'SNP got political advantage from Peter Murrell memo'
SCOTLAND'S most senior law officer has denied breaching protocol or giving any political advantage to SNP ministers after she informed the First Minister about details of the charges against Peter Murrell weeks before they became public.
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 38%
12%
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