Peter Murrell was Released Without Charge, Sturgeon Claims No Prior Knowledge
Nicola Sturgeon has issued a brief statement in which she claims she had “no prior knowledge” of Peter Murrell’s arrest.
According to Police Scotland, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been released without charge pending further investigation.
Mr. Murrell, 58, who is married to Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested in connection with an investigation into the party’s finances on Wednesday morning and spent nearly 12 hours in custody.
Ms. Sturgeon stated in a statement shortly before her husband’s release that she had “no prior knowledge” of plans to arrest him.
A spokesperson for the former first minister of Scotland stated: “It would be improper to comment on an ongoing police investigation.
“Nicola Sturgeon had no prior knowledge of the actions or intentions of Police Scotland.
Ms. Sturgeon will fully cooperate with Police Scotland if requested, but no such request has been made at this time.
Mr. Murrell, a former SNP chief executive, was taken into custody by police on Wednesday morning in connection with an investigation into the funding and finances of the political party.
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Police Scotland is investigating the expenditure of approximately £600,000 designated for the Scottish independence campaign.
It is believed that there have been complaints that the restricted funds were improperly spent elsewhere.
The front garden of Mr. Murrell and Ms. Sturgeon’s house in Glasgow was cordoned off by police and a blue tent was erected there.
In the afternoon, officers were spotted in the backyard, one of whom was carrying two spades for unknown reasons.
A police photographer was observed documenting the search as officers were seen opening a small shed and a storage box.
Police were also observed removing and stacking large green boxes from the SNP’s Edinburgh headquarters.
In a Wednesday evening update, Police Scotland stated: “A 58-year-old man who was arrested as a suspect earlier today, April 5, 2023, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party has been released pending further investigation.
“After his arrest at 7:45 a.m., the man was interrogated by detectives from Police Scotland. At 6:57 pm, he was released from custody.
“Today, officers also conducted searches at several locations as part of the investigation.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will be provided with a report.
It comes less than a week after Humza Yousaf was sworn in as Scotland’s sixth first minister, replacing Nicola Sturgeon following her shocking resignation in February.
In one of her final interviews, the former SNP leader told Sky News that the ongoing investigation and the resulting pressure on her and her husband did not play a role in her resignation.
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She added that she had “not heard” if her husband had been asked to speak with investigators.
Mr. Murrell has not been seen in public since he abruptly resigned from his senior position a month ago, following a damaging dispute over the confidentiality of party membership numbers.
Since 2010, the 58-year-old has been married to Ms. Sturgeon.
The SNP issued a statement stating: “Obviously, it would be inappropriate to comment on an active police investigation, but the SNP has been and will continue to cooperate fully with this investigation.
“At its Saturday meeting, the SNP’s governing body, the NEC, approved a review of governance and transparency that will be carried out in the coming weeks.”
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