Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested in relation to an ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Police confirmed that a 52-year-old woman, identified as Sturgeon, was taken into custody as a suspect and is currently being questioned by detectives. This follows the previous arrest and subsequent release of her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, in April.
Sturgeon, who stepped down as SNP leader in March, was arrested and questioned by officers who have been investigating the whereabouts of over £600,000 in donations received by the party from independence activists. A spokesperson for Sturgeon confirmed that she attended a police interview by arrangement on Sunday and emphasized her continued cooperation with the investigation.
Opposition parties, including SNP MP Angus MacNeil, have called for Sturgeon’s suspension from the party, stating that “this soap-opera has gone far enough.” The SNP has not commented on Sturgeon’s arrest, citing the ongoing police investigation.
The investigation into SNP finances has been ongoing for the past two years. Police Scotland launched Operation Branchform after complaints were made regarding the allocation of £666,954 donated to the SNP by activists for a future independence referendum campaign. The party’s accounts revealed a balance of just under £97,000 and total net assets of approximately £272,000 at the end of 2019.
Sturgeon served as Scotland’s first minister for over eight years and was the first woman to hold the position. She announced her resignation as both SNP leader and first minister, with Humza Yousaf winning the contest to succeed her. Sturgeon has denied that the timing of her resignation was influenced by the ongoing police investigation.