Nicola Sturgeon arrested as SNP finances investigation continues
The former First Minister is being questioned by police
Last updated 11th Jun 2023
The former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has been arrested by police in connection with an ongoing investigation into the finances of the SNP.
The 52-year-old announced her resignation as the leader of the party, and the head of the Scottish Government, on the 15th of February.
Police Scotland has been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
In April the SNP’s former Chief Executive, and her husband, Peter Murrell was arrested and questioned while detectives searched the couple’s home on the outskirts of Glasgow.
The 58-year-old was later released without charge.
On the same day police searched the party’s headquarters in Edinburgh.
On Tuesday 18th April Colin Beattie, who was serving as SNP treasurer, was arrested and questioned.
The 71-year-old MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh was released without charge and later resigned from his position with the party.
A spokesperson for Nicola Sturgeon said: "Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11th June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform.
"Nicola has consistently said she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."
Scottish Labour's Ian Murray said the development was "deeply concerning", adding: "For too long, a culture of secrecy and cover-up has been allowed to fester at the heart of the SNP.
"The same culture that leads to police tents in front gardens created the deeply dysfunctional government that is currently failing Scots.
“Humza Yousaf must urgently come clean on what he knows - the people of Scotland deserve answers.”
Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives, chairman Craig Hoy said: "This extremely serious matter is continuing to escalate and the result is that the SNP are totally distracted at the worst possible time."
An SNP spokesperson said: "These issues are subject to a live police investigation.
"The SNP have been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so however it is not appropriate to publicly address any issues while that investigation is ongoing."
More to follow….