A former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive says it is “perfectly reasonable” to believe Nicola Sturgeon knew about alleged deception by predecessor Peter Murrell. The comments come after he took over following Murrell. The former executive presents his view in contrast to earlier assumptions, saying he was “very wrong” about what he believed Murrell did and whether it was known to others within the party. He also characterises his current position as a possibility rather than a definitive claim, stating that it is reasonable to conclude Sturgeon had knowledge. The article frames the statement as reflecting a change in his understanding since taking on the role after Murrell. No additional specific details are provided in the supplied text about the nature of the deception, the timing of any alleged knowledge, or any legal or disciplinary outcomes. The reporting focuses on the former executive’s assessment of what Sturgeon may have known, and on his acknowledgement that his earlier view of the situation was incorrect.