Peter Murrell released from custody
Nicola Sturgeon's husband has been released "without charge pending further investigation" after he was arrested earlier today
Last updated 5th Apr 2023
Former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell has been released from custody this evening, after he was arrested as part of a probe into the party's finances.
Nicola Sturgeon's husband has been released "without charge pending further investigation."
Mr Murrell was arrested this morning as inquiries into SNP finances have been ongoing for several months.
There was a significant police presence at several addresses today, including the couple's Glasgow home and the SNP's Headquarters in Edinburgh.
Officers have been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
In a statement issued this evening, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 58-year-old man who was arrested as a suspect earlier today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.
"The man was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after he was arrested at 7.45am. He was released from custody at 6.57pm.
"Officers also carried out searches today 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 remains 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."
According to reports, a spokesperson for Nicola Sturgeon said she had "no prior knowledge" of Police Scotland's "actions or intentions" over the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell, in an investigation into the SNP's finances.
The spokesperson said: "It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation.
"Nicola Sturgeon had no prior knowledge of Police Scotland's action or intentions.
"Ms Sturgeon will fully co-operate with Police Scotland if required, however at this time no such request has been made."
Earlier today, 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.
Sturgeon stood down as First Minister in March, and has since been replaced by Humza Yousaf.