Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon’s husband has been arrested in a Scottish National Party (SNP) finance probe.
Peter Murrell, 58, was arrested amid an investigation into the spending of money earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
His arrest comes weeks after he stepped down as chief executive of the SNP, which followed Ms Sturgeon’s resignation as first minister.
Who is Peter Murrell?
Mr Murrell was born in Edinburgh and studied at the University of Glasgow.
He has been married to Ms Sturgeon since 2010 after beginning a relationship in 2003.
Mr Murrell is the former chief executive of the SNP, a role he had held since 2000. As chief executive, he managed the day-to-day running of the party.
He resigned on March 18, 2023, a month after Ms Sturgeon stepped down as First Minister.
Why has Nicola Sturgeon’s husband been arrested?
Police are investigating the SNP’s finances — specifically the spending of around £600,000 that was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
Police Scotland said in a statement: “A 58-year-old man has today, Wednesday April 5, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
“The man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
“Officers are also carrying out searches at a number of addresses as part of the investigation.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”
Statement on investigation into Scottish National Party funding and finances – man arrested.
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) April 5, 2023
More: https://t.co/pkRjeRw965 pic.twitter.com/trzldKh7ZT
What has the SNP said about Murrell’s arrest?
In a statement, the SNP said: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been co-operating 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.”
