Nicola Sturgeon arrested as part of police probe into SNP’s finances

Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested as part of the police investigation into the SNP’s finances, with the ex-premier being held in custody while she is questioned by detectives.

The 52-year-old stepped down as both SNP leader and prime minister in March this year, since there have been several developments in her party’s spending scrutiny.

Ms Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell – the former CEO of the SNP – was arrested in April, just ahead of a two-day police search of the couple’s Glasgow home.

This saw a blue forensic tent placed at the front of the property, while officers were spotted both inside and outside in the backyard.

Colin Beattie, then SNP treasurer, was arrested later in April and subsequently resigned from his party role.

Police Scotland gave a further update on their investigation this afternoon, saying: ‘A 52-year-old woman has been arrested today, Sunday 11 June 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.

“The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.”

Both Mr Murrell and Mr Beattie were released without charge pending further inquiries.

The Scotland Police investigation, which opened in July 2021 and is known as Operation Branchform, revolves around the spending of around £600,000 in donations earmarked for Scottish independence campaigns.

Earlier today, Ms Sturgeon’s successor, Humza Yousaf, declined to comment on the ongoing police investigation into his party.

But the prime minister and SNP leader said he had spoken to Ms Sturgeon recently and said she was ‘in a good place and doing well’.

“Why shouldn’t I seek advice from perhaps one of the best politicians, the most impressive politicians Europe has seen in recent decades?” Yousaf told the BBC on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

More to follow…