Ex-SNP chief government Peter Murrell – the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon – has been arrested following an investigation into the get together’s funds.
Police Scotland introduced on Wednesday {that a} 58-year-old man was in custody and being questioned by detectives as a part of an ongoing probe.
Officers are additionally finishing up searches at numerous addresses, together with at Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s house in Glasgow and at SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.
What is the investigation all about?
Police Scotland and the Crown Office have been investigating the funding and funds of the SNP.
The long-running probe is linked to the spending of £600,000 raised by independence supporters for use in a brand new marketing campaign to go away the UK.
It is known there have been complaints the ringfenced money has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.
Ms Sturgeon introduced her shock resignation in February after greater than eight years as first minister. Humza Yousaf was formally sworn in as Scotland’s new chief final week.
Mr Murrell, who married Ms Sturgeon in 2010, resigned as SNP chief government final month. He was compelled to step down after shouldering the blame for the get together’s deceptive responses to the media over membership numbers.
Speaking to Sky News final month, Ms Sturgeon stated the police probe performed no half in her resolution to step down.
In an interview with Beth Rigby, she was requested if she’d had any contact with officers as a part of the investigation.
Ms Sturgeon responded: “No. I wouldn’t comment on any ongoing police investigation and I am not going to comment on this one.”
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Police Scotland stated a report shall be despatched to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
A COPFS spokesperson added: “It is standard practice that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the law officers.”
SNP response
An SNP spokesperson stated: “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 assembly on Saturday, the governing physique of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a assessment of governance and transparency – that shall be taken ahead within the coming weeks.”
Source: information.sky.com”