Nicola Sturgeon has pleaded innocence after she was arrested in connection with a police investigation into Scottish National Party finances police have confirmed.
In a statement on Twitter, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.
‘I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.’
Sturgeon quit as a minister and SNP leader in early April, shortly before the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell.
She was later released without charge pending further investigation by Police Scotland – after a reported seven hours of questioning.
Murrell, the 58-year-old former chief executive of the SNP, was detained on April 5 at the couple’s home in Uddingston, close to Glasgow.
Police Scotland has now confirmed a 52-year-old woman had been arrested on Sunday, June 11 in connection with the ongoing investigation.
They said the probe related to the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
Sturgeon is the third person to be arrested as part of Operation Branchform, the Police Scotland probe into allegations that more than £600,000 in donations were misspent by the party.
The money was initially intended to be used as funding for a Scottish independence campaign.
Police also seized a luxury campervan in April from outside the home of Nicola Sturgeon’s mother-in-law as part of the same ongoing investigation.
Officers took the vehicle from outside the home of Margaret Murrell, Peter Murrell’s 92-year-old mother, near Dunfermline, Fife.
In her statement, Ms Sturgeon continued: ‘To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.
‘I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.
‘Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail.
‘However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms.
‘Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled do in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.’
Mr Murrell was interviewed under caution following his arrest in April, before being released without charge.
Following his arrest, Sturgeon said: ‘The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite traumatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process,’ she told reporters.
Police subsequently undertook an extensive search of the couple’s residence, with then-party treasurer, Colin Beattie MSP, also released pending further investigation.
‘The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives,’ read the Police Scotland statement.
‘A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.’
Police Scotland has also warned the public to avoid speculation and discussing the matter on social media given the police investigation is ongoing.
They added there would be no further comment on the matter.
Police probe into SNP finances – what’s happened so far
May 2021 – Douglas Chapman resigns from his role as SNP treasurer, saying he had not been given enough information to do his job.
July 2021 – Police Scotland confirm they are investigating after seven complaints were made around donations to the SNP.
This followed allegations that £600,000 raised for campaigning towards Scottish independence was diverted elsewhere.
August 2021 – As the party’s annual accounts are published, new SNP treasurer Colin Beattie acknowledges ‘concern’ about transparency over independence-related appeals that had raised more than £600,000.
December 2022 – It emerges that Peter Murrell, the SNP chief executive, had loaned the party £100,000 in June 2021.
February 2023 – Nicola Sturgeon suddenly announces her resignation. She says this was not in relation to short-term pressures but because she knew in her ‘head and heart’ that the time was right to go.
March 2023 – Amid the SNP leadership contest to replace Ms Sturgeon, her husband Mr Murrell announces he is stepping down as the party’s chief executive amid a row over the party’s membership numbers.
5 April 2023 – Mr Murrell is arrested and is released without charge, pending further investigation, the same day.
9 April 2023 – A luxury camper van is seized by police investigating the SNP’s finances, thought to be worth around £110,000.18 April 2023 – Mr Beattie is arrested and interviewed by police. He subsequently quits as SNP treasurer.
May 2023 – The SNP appoint AMS Accountant Group as their new auditors. Their previous auditors Johnston Carmichael stood down in September 2022.
11 June 2023 – Nicola Sturgeon is arrested. She ‘voluntarily’ arranges with Police Scotland to be questioned. She is released hours later under investigation, insisting she was innocent.
