Nicola Sturgeon ‘shocked’ following arrest over SNP finances
The former First Minister of Scotland has shared her distress at being arrested over her party’s finances.
Police Scotland confirmed Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge after being arrested as part of a police probe into the funding and finances of the SNP.
Her arrest was announced earlier this afternoon.
Ms Sturgeon released a statement on Twitter this evening, which read: ‘To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.
‘I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.
‘Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail.
‘However I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms.
‘Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.
‘To the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks – including since today’s news broke – thank you for your kindness.
‘Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time.
‘Finally, while I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the very best of my ability.’
A spokesman for the force said: ‘A 52-year-old woman who was arrested earlier today as a suspect 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 woman was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after she was arrested at 10.09am. She was released from custody at 5.24pm.
‘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.’
There hasn’t been a police presence at her home today, but police vehicles were seen occasionally driving past.
Ms Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, was arrested in April.
Mr Murrell was released without charge pending further inquiry.
As well as the arrests, searches were carried out at a number of properties, including Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s home – where a police tent was erected in the garden – and SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.
The investigation – dubbed Operation Branchform – began in 2021.
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