Peter Murrell: Husband of ex-Scottish first minister arrested in connection with investigation into SNP finances
London(CNN) The husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
Murrell, 58, stepped down because the SNP’s chief govt final month after greater than 20 years in the function following Sturgeon’s shock resignation as first minister in February.
A 58-year-old man was “arrested as a suspect” and is being questioned by detectives, Police Scotland stated in a press release.
“Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses as part of the investigation,” the assertion added.
He was later launched with out cost “pending further investigation,” in response to Police Scotland, after spending practically 12 hours in custody.
Sturgeon and Murrell at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 3, 2022.
Police Scotland has been investigating the SNP’s dealing with of cash that was slated for Scottish independence campaigning, in response to PA Media.
A spokesperson for the SNP stated the social gathering wouldn’t touch upon a dwell investigation, nevertheless it “has been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.”
The social gathering’s governing physique has agreed to a assessment of governance and transparency, the spokesperson added.
The SNP has led the Scottish authorities since 2007, however momentum behind its purpose of breaking away from the UK has slowed lately because the social gathering’s polling has dipped and political complications have mounted.
Murrell and Sturgeon have been key figures in the Scottish independence motion for years.
Sturgeon served because the nation’s first minister for eight years, however dramatically introduced that she would resign from her submit on February 15.
At the time, Sturgeon stated she knew the “time is now” for her to face down, including that the transfer was “right for me, for my party and for the country.”
Her announcement sparked a management battle which was received by Humza Yousaf, a race which uncovered divisions inside the social gathering.
