Nicola Sturgeon released without charge after arrest in SNP police investigation

11 June 2023 , 16:59

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Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge pending further investigation after being arrested as part of a police probe into the funding and finances of the SNP, Police Scotland said.

The former First Minister of Scotland was arrested earlier today and was questioned by detectives.

Police Scotland said she was arrested at 10.09am and was released from custody at 5.24pm. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Officers are probing the spending of around £600,000 earmarked for independence campaigning, as part of Operation Branchform.

Following her arrest, a spokeswoman for Ms Sturgeon said: "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.

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She was arrested earlier today (PA)

"Nicola has consistently said she would cooperate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."

But tonight, the police said she has been released without charge pending further investigations.

Her arrest came after her husband Peter Murrell was arrested in April.

Mr Murrell and MSP Colin Beattie, who was SNP treasurer at the time, were both released without charge pending further inquiry.

As well as the arrests, searches were carried out at a number of properties, including Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon's home - where a police tent was erected in the garden - and SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

The investigation - dubbed Operation Branchform - began in 2021.

It was opened after allegations £600,000 raised for campaigning towards Scottish independence was diverted elsewhere.

Ms Sturgeon announced her resignation as first minister in February this year, saying it was not related to short-term pressures but because she knew in her "head and heart" the time was right to go.

Her husband stepped down as party chief executive during the leadership contest that followed.

Humza Yousaf succeeded Ms Sturgeon as SNP leader and First Minister.

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The SNP's governing body, the national executive committee, agreed that a review of transparency and governance in the party should take place.

Ms Sturgeon continues to be the MSP for Glasgow Southside.

Following Ms Sturgeon's arrest, a spokeswoman for the SNP said: "These issues are subject to a live police investigation.

"The SNP have been co-operating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so, however it is not appropriate to publicly address any issues while that investigation is ongoing."

Chiara Fiorillo