Nicola Sturgeon breaks her silence after release by police in SNP finances probe
Nicola Sturgeon has broken her silence following her arrest amid a finance probe into the Scottish National Party.
The former First Minister was arrested earlier today as a part of Operation Branchform, but Police Scotland later said she was released without charge, pending further investigation.
Ms Sturgeon was questioned by detectives after being arrested this morning and was only released seven hours later.
Officers are probing the spending of over £500,000 earmarked for independence campaigning.
A spokesperson for the longest serving First Minister released a statement after her arrest but she has since spoken out.
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In a statement sent from her Twitter account, she 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
The former SNP leader has maintained her innocence as she broke her silence following the shock arrest (ROBERT PERRY/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)“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 to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.
“To the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks - including since today’s news broke - thank you for your kindness.
“Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time.
“Finally, while I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the very best of my ability.”
The arrest of the once seemingly unstoppable SNP leader is just the latest earthquake to rock UK politics over what has been a tumultuous few days in Westminster and beyond.
Boris Johnson quit as an MP amidst an investigation into him, and was followed by three other Tory MPs, interpreted by some as an attempt to wound the Prime Minister, and his once ally, Rishi Sunak.
After being arrested earlier today, a spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said she had, “by arrangement” attended an interview with police where she was arrested.
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Her arrest follows that of her partner Peter Murrell who 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.
The SNP's governing body, the national executive committee, agreed that a review of transparency and governance in the party should take place.
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