Nicola Sturgeon has stated that she feels as though she is being punished for actions she did not commit, following her estranged husband Peter Murrell’s admission that he embezzled around £400,000 from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

In an interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, the former Scottish first minister firmly rejected calls to apologise, emphasising that she cannot be held accountable for crimes carried out by another individual.

Sturgeon, who led the SNP between 2014 and 2023, maintained that she had no knowledge of Murrell’s actions, despite her leadership role involving oversight of party finances.

She highlighted a broader concern about women being blamed for the misconduct of men in their lives, stating that she would not contribute to that narrative.Murrell, who served as the SNP’s chief executive for over two decades, admitted to misusing party funds between 2010 and 2022.The money was spent on personal items including luxury goods, jewellery, vehicles and other purchases.

Sturgeon became visibly emotional during the interview when discussing gifts she had received from Murrell, including a necklace bought with misappropriated funds.She described feelings of pain, confusion and betrayal upon discovering the truth behind these gifts.Although Sturgeon was arrested and questioned during the police investigation into SNP finances, she was ultimately released without charge.She reiterated that Murrell had deceived both the party and her personally.Murrell has now been remanded in custody and is awaiting sentencing, which is expected later in June.

The case has raised ongoing questions about governance and financial oversight within the SNP during Sturgeon’s tenure, even as she continues to deny any personal wrongdoing.