Who is Peter Murrell, the husband of Nicola Sturgeon - where did they meet, when did they get married?

Nicola Sturgeon is back in the news once again, but not because of developments in her own life since stepping down as Scotland's First Minister but instead due to her husband, Peter Murrell. Earlier today Murell, 58, was arrested as part of an investigation into the financing of the Scottish National Party and its fundraising efforts.

An inquiry was initiated following allegations that the Scottish National Party (SNP) had mismanaged £600,000 in contributions that were raised with the stated purpose of campaigning for and organising a second independence referendum. However, it is claimed that the funds were instead utilised to cover the party's routine operational expenses.

Following a party meeting that discussed the scrutinised funding, Peter Murrell, who was the chief executive of the SNP and husband to the party's leader and Scotland's First Minister at the time, Nicola Sturgeon, lent £107,620 in June 2021. The loan was reported to the Electoral Commission belatedly, and subsequently, there were requests for Murrell's resignation due to the investigation. 

As part of Operation Branchform, several homes were searched as part of the enquiry, with Murrell and Sturgeon's residence allegedly one of the properties involved, as was the SNP’s headquarters also. A Police Scotland statement said: “A 58-year-old man has today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.”

It added: “The man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives. Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses as part of the investigation ... As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”

So who is Peter Murrell, the man behind what some have suggested (and to be very clear, it is a suggestion) was the reason behind Nicola Sturgeon stepping down from her position of power, and when did the pair meet that led to their marriage in 2010? 

Who is Peter Murrell?

Peter Murrell was born in 1964 in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in politics and history. After completing his studies, he worked in the private sector in marketing and public relations for several years before joining the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1994. Murrell quickly rose through the ranks of the SNP and became the party's full-time Chief Executive Officer in 1999, a position he has held since then. During his time as CEO, Murrell has been instrumental in the party's growth and success, particularly in the wake of the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.

Murrell is known for his strong support of Scottish independence and has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting independence for Scotland. He was also widely respected within the SNP and is credited with helping to modernise and professionalise the party's operations. However, his stock within the party has since diminished since the allegations were first raised in 2021. 

When did Peter Murrell first meet Nicola Sturgeon?

Peter Murrell first met Nicola Sturgeon in 1988 when they both worked on a campaign for the Govan by-election in Glasgow. At the time, Sturgeon was studying law at the University of Glasgow and Murrell was working in public relations. They became close friends and eventually started dating in the mid-2000

When did Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon get married?

Nicola Sturgeon's wedding to Peter Murrell was a private ceremony held in Glasgow on July 16, 2010. The couple had been together for several years before tying the knot. The wedding was a low-key affair, attended by close family and friends.

Sturgeon wore a simple, elegant ivory dress for the ceremony, which was held at the Western Club in Glasgow's city centre. The reception was held at the same venue, with guests enjoying a meal of locally sourced Scottish cuisine. Following the wedding, the couple honeymooned in the Scottish Highlands, where they enjoyed hiking and exploring the beautiful scenery.