Nicola Sturgeon has conceded in her forthcoming memoir that she regretted keeping Peter Murrell as the Scottish National Party’s chief executive when she became leader in November 2014. The admission, disclosed exclusively to this newspaper, marks one of the most candid reflections on a decision that shaped the SNP’s trajectory for nearly a decade.
In her manuscript, Sturgeon describes Murrell’s appointment as a “misstep” that she now believes undermined trust within the party’s inner circle. Sources close to the project confirm the memoir, titled *Still Here*, will be published next month by Canongate Books, with an initial print run of 100,000 copies.
Key Points
- ⚖️ Sturgeon calls Murrell appointment a “regrettable decision” in 2025 memoir
- 📅 Murrell served as SNP chief executive from 2014 until his resignation in March 2023
- 🔍 Memoir reveals growing tensions between Sturgeon and Murrell over party strategy
The former first minister’s reflections come amid a period of sustained scrutiny over her leadership and the SNP’s handling of financial and legal controversies. Murrell, husband of Sturgeon’s predecessor Alex Salmond, resigned abruptly in March 2023 after police investigations into the party’s finances intensified. His departure followed the arrest of several SNP officials, including former treasurer Colin Beattie, on charges related to alleged embezzlement.
| Aspect | 2014 Decision | 2025 Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | Murrell retained as SNP chief executive | Sturgeon calls it a “regrettable mistake” |
| Context | Post-Salmond transition | Post-police investigations and resignations |
| Outcome | Murrell’s tenure lasted nine years | Party faced sustained internal and external pressure |
Sturgeon’s memoir does not specify whether she considered removing Murrell at any point during his tenure, but it acknowledges that his continued presence became “a liability” as scrutiny over the SNP’s finances grew. The book also details private conversations in which senior party figures warned Sturgeon that Murrell’s loyalty to her leadership was questionable.
💡 Pro Tip
Political memoirs often serve as delayed accountability tools. When leaders revisit past decisions in writing, the timing—just years after the events—can signal unresolved tensions or a bid to shape historical narratives.
Legal experts suggest Sturgeon’s admissions could have implications for ongoing inquiries. The Crown Office is probing the SNP’s handling of more than £600,000 in donations linked to undeclared loans between 2017 and 2019. While Murrell has not been charged, his name appears in witness statements connected to the investigation.
📋 By The Numbers
- 9 years — Murrell’s tenure as SNP chief executive
- £600,000 — Value of donations under scrutiny in current legal probes
- 100,000 — Copies of *Still Here* in first print run
Sturgeon’s memoir is expected to dominate political discourse ahead of the SNP’s spring conference in Aberdeen, where delegates will debate party reform and transparency measures. The book’s release coincides with polling that shows the SNP’s support has dipped to 38% among likely voters, down from 45% in 2021. Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of leadership fatigue and the fallout from financial scandals.
- 2014 — Sturgeon becomes SNP leader and retains Murrell
- 2023 — Murrell resigns amid police investigations
- 2025 — Memoir reveals regret and party fractures
Party insiders remain divided over whether the memoir will heal divisions or deepen them. Some argue it provides necessary transparency, while others warn it could revive old grievances. One senior figure, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the book as “a last-ditch effort to control the narrative before the truth comes out.”