Peter Murrell is re-arrested as part of an SNP investigation

18 April 2024 , 18:19

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Peter Murrell is re-arrested as part of an SNP investigation

The husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been re-arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party.

Peter Murrell, 59, was previously arrested as a suspect on 5 April 2023 before being released without charge.

He was taken into custody at 09:13 on Thursday and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.

Mr Murrell resigned as the party’s chief executive in March 2023.

Last year, his arrest was the first of three as part of Operation Branchform - Police Scotland’s major investigation into SNP finances.

SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was arrested on 18 April and interviewed by police before being released pending further investigation. He later resigned his position in the party.

Nicola Sturgeon was arrested on 11 June when she "voluntarily" arranged with Police Scotland to be questioned as part of the investigation, a spokesperson said at the time. 

She was also released without charge pending further inquiries.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The matter remains 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 at this time."

Sophia Martinez