Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell is understood to have been arrested following a police investigation into “funding and finances” of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Murrell, 58, who is the former SNP chief executive stepped down during the recent leadership campaign and Humza Yousaf took office on 29 March 2023 after Sturgeon stepped down in a shock resignation.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said, “This is a deeply concerning development and the Police Scotland investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference.”
She added, “We need Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon to urgently state what they knew and when.”
Police Scotland have been investigating money that was earmarked for the Scottish independence campaign.
Police Scotland said in a statement, “A 58-year-old man has today, Wednesday April 5, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
“The man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
“Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses as part of the investigation.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
“As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “COPFS will continue to work with police in this ongoing investigation.
“It is standard practice that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the Law Officers.”
The SNP released a statement saying: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been co-operating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.
“At its meeting on Saturday, the governing body of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a review of governance and transparency – that will be taken forward in the coming weeks.”
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