Peter Murrell case shows Police Scotland has no political bias, says chief
Jo Farrell said the case of the former SNP chief executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband showed that no one was beyond the law.
Peter Murrell’s conviction has shown that Police Scotland has no political bias, its chief constable has said.
Jo Farrell told The Times that the case of the former SNP chief executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband showed that no one was beyond the law.
Ms Farrell told The Times: “Regardless of who you are, where there’s wrongdoing and criminality, we will investigate and work with the Crown in order to bring you to justice.”
Mr Murrell was convicted of embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP in June. He was jailed for five years and three months.
Ms Sturgeon was arrested but was never charged with any crime.
Ms Farrell said Police Scotland answering to a non-political advisory board meant there was less risk of political interference than down south.
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Citing comments by Glasgow-born head of the UK National Crime Agency Graeme Biggar, she said: “When Peter Murrell was convicted Graeme made a really strong point, that in the forming of Police Scotland one of the questions that was asked was ‘is a national service going to be subject and potentially influenced more greatly by politicians?’”
“Now I think the conviction of Murrell — and this was highlighted by Graeme — puts paid to any thought that this organisation can’t and doesn’t operate independently.”
She added: “I’ve worked as a chief officer under a number of different governance arrangements. Back in the day as an assistant chief we had police authorities down south, predominantly politicians, so there was always potential for political influence.
“As a deputy and a chief down south, I’ve worked with police and crime commissioners. Again, there is a potential for influence because you’re up close with politicians.
“I think the governance arrangements in Scotland are the best way to ensure that there is some clear blue water between the Scottish government and policing, and that my operational independence is maintained.”
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Ms Farrell added that Police Scotland gets more attention than regional services in England and Wales.
She said: “I guard operational independence and ensure to the best of my — and our — ability that we police by consent, without fear or favour and with a human rights approach, and we insulate ourselves from the politics.”
Justice secretary Neil Gray said: “Police Scotland provides vital services that keep our communities safe, which is why we provided record funding of more than £1.7bn for policing in 2026-2027. We will continue to work with Police Scotland to discuss their 2027-2028 budget requirements as part of the normal Scottish budget process.
“We are resolute in our determination to do all we can to tackle violence against women and girls by preventing it from happening in the first place, supporting victims and ensuring that violent men change their behaviour and are held accountable for their actions.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the chief constable on the dangers of the manosphere. Last month we announced a new Respect Fund for Scotland, which will see school pupils supported to reject misogyny. Our current public awareness campaign also aims to show boys the harms done to girls through their engagement with sexist content online.”