The former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has been apprehended amid an investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party (SNP), as declared by Police Scotland.
This arrest follows that of her spouse, Peter Murrell, who was the former chief executive of the SNP, over two months ago, during which their residence was scrutinized for two days.
Sturgeon, 52, is now in police custody and is being interrogated in relation to the ongoing probe into the funding and financial operations of the SNP. The investigation’s findings will be forwarded to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
A representative for Sturgeon confirmed her cooperation with the police on this matter. She stated, “Nicola Sturgeon, in accordance with an agreement with Police Scotland, attended an interview today, Sunday, June 11, where she was subject to arrest and questioning related to Operation Branchform. Nicola has repeatedly expressed her willingness to assist with the investigation when required and continues to do so.”
When queried about the investigation, Humza Yousaf, Sturgeon’s successor as the First Minister and leader of the SNP, refrained from commenting on Sunday, especially regarding why no charges have been filed as yet.
Humza Yousaf, in his interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, maintained that questioning the proceedings was not out of line, revealing that he recently had a conversation with his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon.
During their conversation, Yousaf inquired about Sturgeon’s well-being, to which she conveyed the trying and distressing nature of the past weeks.
Despite the challenges, he assured that Sturgeon seemed to be faring well when they caught up a few times at the Scottish Parliament, where she has maintained a notably subdued presence. Yousaf justified his decision to seek her counsel, praising her as one of the most accomplished and influential politicians Europe has witnessed in recent decades.
Peter Murrell, Sturgeon’s husband, was taken into custody on April 5 and was subsequently released without charges, albeit with ongoing investigations.
The couple’s allies have sharply criticized the police’s handling of the case, specifically the decision to set up a tent outside their residence. The SNP’s former chief spin doctor, Murray Foote, dubbed it a “grotesque spectacle” and even wagered £5 that no charges would be pressed following the investigation’s conclusion.
However, Police Scotland’s chief constable, Sir Iain Livingstone, affirmed the integrity of the operation. He asserted his commitment to resist any political interference with the investigation, emphasizing a diligent, comprehensive, and balanced criminal investigation that’s guided by investigative needs rather than political agendas.
It has come to light that Police Scotland consulted the National Crime Agency last year about the protracted investigation, requesting a review of their work on the case.
