Yousaf Comments on Sturgeon's BBC Interview
Former first minister Humza Yousaf described Nicola Sturgeon as looking like a "broken woman" during a BBC interview addressing her estranged husband Peter Murrell's embezzlement of over £400,000 from the SNP.
Yousaf, who succeeded Sturgeon as SNP leader, told Newsnight he knew Sturgeon as a "person of great integrity" and expressed his belief that she was unaware of Murrell's criminal activities.
Murrell, the SNP's former chief executive, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to stealing funds from the party between 2010 and 2022.
Sturgeon has consistently denied any knowledge of the embezzlement and was not charged following a police investigation.
In her interview with BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Sturgeon stated she felt "betrayed" by Murrell and emphasized she "would not apologise for his crimes".
"I feel like I am serving a sentence for a crime I did not commit"
A clip of this interview was broadcast while Yousaf was appearing as a pundit on Newsnight on Friday evening.
Yousaf had recently become first minister when the homes of Sturgeon and Murrell, along with SNP headquarters in Edinburgh, were raided in 2023 as part of Operation Branchform, the Police Scotland investigation into SNP finances.
He described his reaction to the investigation as "utterly gobsmacked" and "livid".
Despite this, Yousaf said he remained among those who believe Sturgeon was unaware of the embezzlement.
"I have a bias, I know Nicola, I've spent a lot of time with her over the years, been appointed to various government roles by Nicola. I believe Nicola. I know the person, I believe Nicola to be a person of great integrity. During that interview, I thought I saw quite a broken woman. I thought I saw someone who was really suffering as a result of what has happened and the huge betrayal."
"I certainly am in that percentage that believe her, but I can understand people's scepticism. I mean, I'm not surprised by it."
Details of Murrell's Embezzlement
Murrell's spending included £125,000 on a motorhome that was driven only four miles and then parked on his mother's driveway until it was seized by police.
He also purchased various domestic items such as Lalique salt and pepper grinders valued at over £2,600, several high-end coffee machines, and multiple games consoles.
During a court hearing on Tuesday, Murrell's lawyer stated that he would be able to repay the stolen funds.
Impact on SNP and Yousaf's Leadership
Yousaf said the issue was frequently raised "on the doorstep" when he engaged with voters following the revelations.
He acknowledged that his leadership "never recovered" from the incident.
Yousaf resigned as first minister in April 2024, approximately 13 months after winning the leadership contest.
He admitted he did not question the spending at the time, noting that he was serving as health secretary during the Covid pandemic for part of the period in question.
Yousaf expressed confidence in his successor, John Swinney, describing him as the right person to lead the SNP through the current challenges.
Swinney has consistently rejected calls for a public inquiry, asserting that the police investigation was sufficient.
However, he informed MSPs on Thursday that the SNP may have claimed back tax on Murrell's illicit purchases and that the party had written to HMRC regarding the matter.
Yousaf commented on the continuing negative association Murrell brings to the party.
"It was a very difficult time for the party, it kept coming up on the doorstep. I think the party is still finding it very difficult."
