Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Arrested and Released in Ongoing SNP Finance Probe

Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and later released without charge, pending further investigations, in connection with the ongoing inquiry into the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) funding and finances. The arrest occurred at 10:09 on Sunday, and Sturgeon was released from custody at 17:24.

Edinburgh, Scotland – Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, was arrested and later released without charge on Sunday as part of an ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) finances. The inquiry focuses on the allocation of £660,000 in donations given to the SNP by independence activists for use in a future independence referendum campaign.

Sturgeon was in police custody from 10:09 until her release at 17:24. Following her release, she issued a statement asserting her innocence and expressing shock and distress over her arrest. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as the investigation continues.

Police had a maximum of 12 hours to question Sturgeon before deciding whether to charge her or release her for further inquiries. A suspect released pending further investigations can be re-arrested at a later date.

In her statement, Sturgeon thanked her supporters and family for their messages of support and strength during this difficult time. She intends to return to Parliament soon to continue representing her Glasgow Southside constituents.

Her successor as First Minister and SNP leader, Humza Yousaf, is now facing calls from opposition politicians and at least one of his own MPs, Angus MacNeil, to suspend Sturgeon from the party. Scottish Conservatives Chairman Craig Hoy also urged Yousaf to suspend his predecessor.

Sturgeon’s arrest comes after her husband, former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell, was arrested on April 5th as part of the Operation Branchform probe. The party’s treasurer, Colin Beattie, was also arrested and subsequently released pending further investigations.

The Branchform investigation began after complaints were raised about the handling of £666,954 in donations to the SNP for a future independence referendum campaign. The SNP’s accounts showed a balance of just under £97,000 at the end of 2019, with net assets of about £272,000.

Sturgeon stepped down as SNP leader and First Minister in February, with Humza Yousaf succeeding her in March. Sturgeon has denied that the timing of her resignation was influenced by the ongoing police investigation.