Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell has been re-arrested in connection with the police probe into the SNP’s finances.
Police Scotland said the 59-year-old was taken into custody at 9.13am and is being questioned by detectives in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
UPDATE: Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell charged over embezzlement of funds from SNP
STV News understands Murrell is still in custody and continues to be questioned as of 5pm on Friday.
The Former SNP chief executive was previously arrested as a suspect on April 5, 2023.
On that day, there was a large police presence around the home in Glasgow which he shares with his wife, the former first minister.
A 59-year-old man has today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, been re-arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party. https://t.co/cM4lhElq2N pic.twitter.com/upIK3dmhVf
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) April 18, 2024
Murrell was released without charge, pending further investigation, the same day.
His arrest was the first of three as part of Operation Branchform – Police Scotland’s major investigation into the spending of more than £600,000 in donations for independence campaigning.
On April 18, party treasurer Colin Beattie was arrested and interviewed by police before being released pending further enquiries. Beattie resigned his position.
Former first minister and SNP leader Sturgeon was arrested on June 11.
She “voluntarily” arranged with Police Scotland to be questioned as part of the investigation into the party’s finances, a spokesperson said.
Like the other party figures, she was released without charge pending further investigation.
Scottish Labour MSP and depute leader Jackie Baillie said it was “deeply concerning development”.
She told STV News: “Police Scotland need to be able to do their job without any interference from politicians or anyone else for that matter.”
Scottish Tory MSP Craig Hoy added: “This is a very serious development in the investigation into the SNP’s finances and it’s vital all SNP politicians and staff fully co-operate with this probe.
“This has been going on now for nearly three years and that’s why the SNP must commit to full openness and transparency.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “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 at this time.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.”
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