Nicola Sturgeon says she was 'misled just as others were' by Peter Murrell
Former first minister and SNP leader releases statement saying she was ‘deceived and let down’ by estranged husband
Nicola Sturgeon has said she was “misled just as others were” by her estranged husband Peter Murrell.
The former first minister said she had “no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes.”
The ex-SNP leader said she was “deceived and let down” by the former party chief executive.
Mr Murrell pled guilty on Monday to embezzling £400,000 from the SNP.
Ms Sturgeon released a 173-word statement on Instagram after the news had broke.
She said: “My reaction to the guilty plea today by my former husband is difficult to put into words.
“I am angry, hurt, sad and very distressed about the actions on family, friends and the SNP.
“To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain.
“Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension.
“To be clear: I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes.
“I am utterly appalled that he did so and cannot begin to understand why.
“That I was fully cleared after a thorough investigation underlines that these are not my crimes. I was misled just as others were.
“I know that there will be political discussion in light of what has happened, and I understand why. However, for this has also been a profound personal trauma.
“I need to remain focussed on recovering from that and building a new phase of life.
“I will be making no further comment.”