Murrell Admits Embezzlement

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 of party funds.

The admission marks a dramatic conclusion to a multi-year police investigation that has cast a long shadow over the party and its leadership.

Murrell, who is the husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, admitted to using the stolen money for personal expenses over several years.

The scandal has prompted renewed calls for an independent inquiry into the SNP's financial governance, while current First Minister John Swinney has faced intense pressure to distance the party from the fallout.