London
CNN
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The husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, was arrested on Wednesday in reference to an investigation into the funding and funds of the Scottish Nationwide Get together.
Murrell, 58, stepped down because the SNP’s chief government final month after greater than 20 years within the function following Sturgeon’s shock resignation as first minister in February.
A 58-year-old man was “arrested as a suspect” and is being questioned by detectives, Police Scotland mentioned in a press release.
“Officers are additionally finishing up searches at a variety of addresses as a part of the investigation,” the assertion added.
Police Scotland has been investigating the SNP’s dealing with of cash that was slated for Scottish independence campaigning, in line with PA Media.
A spokesperson for the SNP mentioned the get together wouldn’t touch upon a dwell investigation, however it “has been cooperating absolutely with this investigation and can proceed to take action.”
The get together’s governing physique has agreed to a overview of governance and transparency, the spokesperson added.
The SNP has led the Scottish authorities since 2007, however momentum behind its aim of breaking away from the UK has slowed lately because the get together’s polling has dipped and political complications have mounted.
Murrell and Sturgeon have been key figures within the Scottish independence motion for years.
Sturgeon served because the nation’s first minister for eight years, however dramatically introduced that she would resign from her put up on February 15.
On the time, Sturgeon mentioned she knew the “time is now” for her to face down, including that the transfer was “proper for me, for my get together and for the nation.”
Her announcement sparked a management battle which was received by Humza Yousaf, a race which uncovered divisions inside the get together.