UPDATE: Nicola Sturgeon’s husband released without charge

THE husband of ex-Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge after his arrest and 12 hours in custody as police investigate financial irregularities in the SNP’s finances, today Wednesday, April 5 according to The Daily Mail.

In a statement shortly before he was released, Ms Sturgeon said she had “no prior knowledge” of plans to arrest her husband, Peter Murrell, 58.

A spokesperson for the very recently former Scottish first minister said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation”.

“Nicola Sturgeon had no prior knowledge of Police Scotland’s action or intentions. Ms Sturgeon will fully cooperate with Police Scotland if required however at this time no such request has been made”, they added.

Police are carrying out searches in various properties, while Murrell who was chief executive during his wife’s term in office, was interviewed by detectives.

Shortly before she stepped down Sturgeon was under pressure to answer questions about a £107,000 loan from her husband to the SNP.

The police are looking into allegations of the misappropriation of £600,000 which was intended to be used to promote the Scottish independence campaign.

A  Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed, “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”, they continued.

“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 spokesperson added.

The Electoral Commission previously reprimanded the SNP for failing to give details about the loan, after they missed three deadlines.

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