Nicola Sturgeon under pressure to reveal if she knew hubby Peter Murrell was going to be arrested before she quit
NICOLA Sturgeon is facing calls from rival politicians to reveal if she knew her husband’s arrest was coming before she quit as first minister.
Peter Murrel was arrested this morning amid an ongoing investigation into SNP finances.
The former Nats chief executive, 58, is being questioned by detectives as they carry out searches at different properties.
Party bosses have been under investigation over the past 18 months after questions over nearly £500,000 of “missing” cash from an IndyRef2 online crowdfunder in 2017.
The cops’ Operation Branchform was launched in July 2021 to probe claims from some activists about the money raised in 2017 – which the SNP said was specifically for a referendum campaign.
Scottish Labour and the Tories are calling on Ms Sturgeon, as well as her successor Humza Yousaf, to state if they knew Mr Murrell was going to be arrested before she stood down last month.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “This is a deeply concerning development and the Police Scotland investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference.
“We need Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon to urgently state what they knew and when.”
Scottish Conservative shadow constitution secretary Donald Cameron MSP, said: “Senior SNP politicians, including Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, must cooperate fully with the investigation into this very serious case and commit to openness and transparency.
“While there is an ongoing police investigation into the SNP’s finances, and given that a suspect has now been arrested, it is right that due process is followed and any potential wrongdoing investigated thoroughly by the police.”
Speaking outside the BBC Edinburgh offices earlier, which is beside the SNP headquarters, former first minister Alex Salmond said: “It’s a very live police investigation so I couldn’t really comment on the specifics. I led the SNP for a long time so I’m very sad about what’s happening to it.
“You should remember that the cause of independence and the case for it has never been stronger. And that’s what myself and Alba are concentrating on putting forward.”
Officers swooped on Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s home, near Glasgow, around 8.30am today.
Two marked cop vans and a white transit are stationed outside, while around 20 officers stand guard.
A police incident tent is also set up on the driveway and the grass outside the home.
Officers have also swooped on the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh as part of the investigation.
A number of police vans were also seen parked outside of the SNP offices at Jackson’s Entry in the Holyrood area of the capital.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 58-year-old man has today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, 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.
“The matter is 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.”
The force added: “Officers are carrying out a number of searches as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The force added: “Officers are carrying out a number of searches as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The SNP has released a statement following the arrest of its former chief executive Mr Murrell.
It 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.”
A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service spokesperson said: “COPFS will continue to work with police in this ongoing investigation.
“It is standard practice that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the Law Officers.”