[Politics] Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell arrested in SNP finance probe

[BirSaNN]

 

The husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested in connection with an investigation into Scottish National Party finances.

Peter Murrell, 58, is being questioned after being taken into police custody on Wednesday morning.

Police Scotland said officers were carrying out searches at a number of addresses as part of the investigation.

Mr Murrell resigned as the party's chief executive last month, a post he had held since 1999.

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He has been married to Ms Sturgeon since 2010.

 

Ms Sturgeon stood down as first minister last month and was last week succeeded by Humza Yousaf.

The new first minister said it was "a difficult day" for the SNP.

Mr Yousaf said: "I obviously can't comment on a live police investigation.

"But what I will say is that the SNP has fully cooperated with the investigation and it will continue to do so."

He added that the party had agreed to carry out a review on governance and transparency.

 

There has been police activity at Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon's home in Glasgow and at SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

At about 10:00 there were 10 uniformed officers stationed outside the couple's detached property, along with three police vehicles.

The house was sealed off with blue and white tape and a tent was erected on the front lawn.

The police presence increased during the morning and the search activity was extended to the garage and back garden.

The curtains and blinds remained drawn and there was no sign of anyone in the property.

Meanwhile, two officers were posted outside SNP HQ and there were others inside.

At least six marked police vehicles were parked outside the building and officers carrying green crates and other equipment were seen going inside.

 

In July 2021 Police Scotland launched a formal investigation into the SNP's finances after receiving complaints about how donations were used.

Questions had been raised about funds given to the party for use in a fresh independence referendum campaign.

Seven people made complaints and a probe was set up following talks with prosecutors.

Ms Sturgeon, then first minister and SNP leader, had insisted that she was "not concerned" about the party's finances.

She said "every penny" of cash raised in online crowdfunding campaigns would be spent on the independence drive.

link: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-65187823