Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has commissioned an independent review of the Lord Advocate’s role after criticism over former office-holder Dorothy Bain briefing him about charges against Peter Murrell before they became public. The role combines Scotland’s chief prosecutor with a legal adviser to ministers, prompting calls from opposition politicians to separate those responsibilities and concerns about public confidence in justice.

The review will be led by Lord Boyd of Duncansby and will examine the current arrangements, possible alternatives and the legal and practical implications of reform. Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband and former SNP chief executive, was jailed for more than five years in June after being convicted of embezzling £459,000 from party funds. The review is due to begin next year, with a report expected in the latter part of 2027; any proposed changes could then be put to public consultation.