Ministers are moving to scrap a legal aid arrangement that allowed Peter Murrell, husband of former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, to receive publicly funded legal representation despite having substantial assets. The rule, seen by critics as a loophole, lets defendants access taxpayer-funded lawyers even when they hold significant wealth or property, provided their cash income falls below the qualifying threshold, prompting anger over fairness in the legal aid system.

Murrell was investigated as part of the SNP finances probe and used the provision to secure legal aid, drawing criticism given his financial circumstances. The Scottish Government is now reviewing the eligibility rules, with officials examining how income and assets are assessed for legal aid applicants, amid pressure to close the loophole and ensure taxpayer support is reserved for those genuinely unable to afford representation.