Nicola Sturgeon arrested in Scottish National Party funding probe

The former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has been arrested amid an investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party.

Police Scotland launched an inquiry in 2021 after complaints were made about the SNP’s use of a £600,000-plus fund raised by activists which was intended to be ring-fenced for campaigning towards Scottish independence.

In a statement, Police Scotland said: “A 52-year-old woman has today, ​Sunday, 11 June, 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.

“The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.”

Sturgeon — who led Scotland’s government from 2014 until 2023 — is the third senior SNP figure to be arrested in connection with the probe, which started interviewing witnesses this year.

Her husband, the former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was picked up by police in April, while the SNP’s treasurer Colin Beattie was arrested two weeks later. Both men were released without charge pending further investigation.

Sturgeon shocked Scotland when she announced her departure as first minister in February.

She was replaced by Humza Yousaf following a bitter SNP leadership election, though the police investigation has overshadowed the opening months of his time in office.

A spokesperson for Sturgeon said in a statement: “Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday June 11, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform. 

“Nicola has consistently said she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so.”