Peter Murrell arrested in connection with Police SNP investigation
Police say they've arrested a 58-year-old man in connection with an investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party
Last updated 5th Apr 2023
Former SNP Chief Executive, Peter Murrell, has been arrested by police in connection with an on-going investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish national party.
The 58 year old, who is the husband of ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, is in custody and being questioned by detectives.
A large police tent was set up outside their home, which was taped off.
Officers are also at the SNP's HQ offices in Edinburgh, with police vans seen parked outside and uniformed officers standing inside the building.
Police at Nicola Sturgeon's home
Police at Nicola Sturgeon's home 2
Police at SNP HQ
Police Scotland have been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
An SNP spokesperson said : “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been cooperating 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.”
Murrell, who has been married to Ms Sturgeon since 2010 resigned as the party's Chief Executive last month - having held the role for nearly 25 years.
WATCH: Humza Yousaf reaction
Sturgeon stood down as First Minister in March, and has since been replaced by Humza Yousaf.
The First Minister Humza Yousaf spoke to our Political Editor, Alan Smith, and said he only became aware of the arrest of Peter Murrell after it took place.
The new SNP leader said he would not criticise the timing of the police investigation.
"I've never been an office bearer in the party, I've not had a role in the party finances."
He added: "There's an opportunity with new leadership to make sure we're being transparent."
He said the party's national executive committee had agreed to a review of governance and transparency.
Asked if the arrest would hurt the SNP in the polls or at a potential by-election, he said: "It certainly doesn't do us any good.
"People will have questions, there will be come concerns. Our party membership will have concerns too.
Anas Sarwar: 'big questions" to be asked of the SNP'
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said there are "big questions" to be asked of the SNP following the arrest of the party's former chief executive Peter Murrell.
Mr Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon's husband, was arrested on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into the SNP's finances.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie commented following the arrest of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.
She said: "This is a deeply concerning development and the Police Scotland investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference."
She continued: "We need Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon to urgently state what they knew and when."
Social media warning
Police Scotland has advised the public to act with caution if discussing the news on social media as the matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
They say as the investigation is underway they are unable to comment further.
A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
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