Court hearing on former SNP treasurer’s £400,000 theft postponed

A Scottish court has postponed the hearing that will determine the amount former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive Colin Murrell must return following accusations he diverted roughly £400,000 of party funds. BBC News reported that the delay was granted at the request of Murrell’s legal team, who argued they needed additional time to review financial documents.

The proceeds‑of‑crime order, a legal tool used to recover assets obtained through unlawful means, will ultimately decide the repayment figure. If the court concludes that Murrell benefited from the alleged embezzlement, he could be ordered to repay the full sum, plus interest and possible penalties. The postponement pushes the final judgment further into 2025, extending uncertainty for the SNP’s finances.

Background and significance

The SNP, Scotland’s dominant political party, has faced a series of internal scandals in recent years, eroding public confidence. Murrell, who served as the party’s chief executive from 2019 to 2022, was suspended in 2023 after internal audits raised concerns about irregular payments. The proceeds‑of‑crime action is part of a broader effort by the party’s new leadership to clean up its accounts and restore credibility. In the UK, such orders are common in cases of fraud or corruption, allowing authorities to freeze and later recover illicit gains, but they rarely result in full repayment when the defendant declares insolvency.

Legal experts note that delays in high‑profile financial cases are not unusual, especially when complex accounting evidence must be examined. “The court’s primary concern is ensuring both parties have a fair opportunity to present their case,” said a solicitor familiar with proceeds‑of‑crime proceedings, speaking on condition of anonymity. The postponement also gives the SNP time to assess the potential impact on its fundraising and upcoming election campaigns.

The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Glasgow Sheriff Court, and Murrell has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the funds in question were allocated for legitimate party activities. The next hearing is scheduled for early 2025, pending the court’s final decision on the timetable.

If the court orders repayment, the SNP could use the recovered money to bolster its campaign budget ahead of the next Scottish parliamentary election. Conversely, a reduced repayment or dismissal could fuel further criticism from opposition parties and watchdog groups calling for stricter oversight of political party finances in the United Kingdom.