Nicola Sturgeon – latest: Ex-SNP leader says past few days ‘difficult’ after husband Peter Murrell’s arrest

Nicola Sturgeon said the last few days have been “obviously difficult” after the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell amid a police investigation into the SNP’s finances.

Speaking outside her home near Glasgow, Ms Sturgeon said in a brief statement that she understands “the scrutiny that comes on me as a public figure", adding that she intends to “get on with life and my job as you would expect”.

Earlier Mike Russell, the party’s president, said the SNP is facing its biggest crisis in 50 years amid a police investigation into its finances.

On Wednesday Mr Murrell, former SNP chief executive, was arrested by police investigating the spending of around £600,000 which was raised for the Scottish independence campaign. He was later released without charge pending further investigation.

Mr Russell, a former minister, also said he does not think independence can be achieved “right now”.

Key Points

• Sturgeon: Past few days have been ‘obviously difficult’

• It’s the biggest crisis we’ve faced in 50 years – ex SNP president

• Nicola Sturgeon was forced to quit, claims Alex Salmond

• SNP auditors resign

Breaking: Ex-SNP leader says past few days ‘difficult’ after husband Peter Murrell’s arrest

14:52 , Matt Mathers

Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has said the last few days have been "obviously difficult" after the arrest of her husband and the party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell amid a police investigation into its finances.

Speaking outside her home near Glasgow, Nicola Sturgeon said in a brief statement that she understands "the scrutiny that comes on me as a public figure", adding that she intends to "get on with life and my job as you would expect".

23:35 , Sam Rkaina

We’re pausing our live coverage of the investigation into the SNP’s finances, but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.

SNP facing biggest crisis in 50 years, says president

21:25 , Sam Rkaina

A senior figure in the SNP has said the party faces its biggest crisis in 50 years amid the police investigation into its finances.

Mike Russell, the SNP president and a former minister, also said he does not think independence can be achieved “right now”.

On Wednesday, former chief executive Peter Murrell was arrested by police investigating the spending of around £600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign.

Mr Murrell, who is Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, was released on Wednesday evening without charge pending further investigation.

Police searched their home in Glasgow for more than a day, with uniformed officers also searching the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh.

In an interview with The Herald newspaper, Mr Russell said recent weeks had been “wearing” for the SNP, which recently selected Humza Yousaf to succeed Ms Sturgeon as party leader.

He said: “In my 50-year association with the party this is the biggest and most challenging crisis we’ve ever faced, certainly while we’ve been in government.

“But I have an obligation to this party and the movement for Scottish independence that’s been such a massive part of my life for so long.”

He continued: “I don’t think independence can be secured right now; we need to work towards some coordinated campaigning.

“But I think this is achievable. My main focus is how we can create a new Yes movement that allows for different visions but conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust.”

Watch: Ex SNP leader’s comments to reporters

20:30 , Sam Rkaina

Sturgeon statement in full following husband’s arrest

19:30 , Sam Rkaina

Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to “fully cooperate” with police after the arrest of her husband, the SNP’s former chief executive, during an investigation into party finances.

In her first public comments since Peter Murrell’s arrest, former first minister Ms Sturgeon said recent days had been “obviously difficult” as she gave a short statement outside the couple’s Glasgow home on Saturday.

The former SNP leader said she could not comment on the investigation into the spending of around £600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign, “as much as there are things I may want to say”.

Click here for Ms Sturgeon’s full statement.

Future of the SNP? Don’t ask me, says Sturgeon

18:40 , Liam James

Nicola Sturgeon has said her successor Humza Yousaf can “speak for himself” about whether the governance of the SNP was as good as it should have been under her leadership.

Asked about the incumbent first minister’s plans to commission a wide-ranging review of the SNP‘s governance and transparency, she said: “I’ll let Humza speak for himself.

“You may not be too surprised to know that I’ve not been focusing too much on every sentence and word that’s been uttered by other people this week.

“I’ve had other things on my mind. Other people can speak for themselves, you know me well enough to know that I can speak for myself. Unfortunately, there is a limit to what I can say to you right now.”

Nicola Sturgeon breaks silence over husband Peter Murrell’s arrest

17:30 , Liam James

Nicola Sturgeon asked for a “little bit of privacy in my own home” as she broke her silence following the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell in a probe of SNP finances.

Speaking outside her house near Glasgow on Saturday afternoon, the former first minister said: “The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process.”

Mr Murrell, a 58-year-old senior SNP figure, was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with a long-running Police Scotland investigation into the spending of about £600,000 which was raised for Scottish independence campaigning.

Get the latest on the SNP probe below:

Nicola Sturgeon breaks silence over husband Peter Murrell’s arrest

Recap: Who is Peter Murrell? Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested over SNP finance probe

16:40 , Matt Mathers

For almost a decade Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon were the husband and wife team in charge of the SNP.

But now Mr Murrell is at the centre of an SNP finance investigation and has been arrested by Police Scotland in connection with the ongoing probe into the party’s financing.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Who is Peter Murrell? Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested over SNP finance probe

ICYMI: ‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf – but questions grow for SNP

15:40 , Matt Mathers

Claims that the SNP and police were “in cahoots” over the timing of Peter Murrell’s arrest have been dismissed as a conspiracy theory by new party leader, Humza Yousaf.

Police detained Mr Murrell and searched the home he shares with his wife Nicola Sturgeon as part of an investigation into how £600,000, earmarked for an independence campaign, was spent.

Archie Mitchell reports:

‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf as questions grow for SNP

Sturgeon: I’ve not been quizzed by police

15:16 , Matt Mathers

Nicola Sturgeon has revealed she has not been quizzed by police following her husband’s arrest over the handling of SNP finances.

When asked at a press conference if she had been questioned, the former first minister said: “I haven’t but I will fully cooperate with the police … if they do.”

She would not comment further.

‘Peter’s not able to say anything'

15:10 , Matt Mathers

Nicola Sturgeon has said her husband Peter Murrell is "not able to say anything" about his arrest in an investigation into SNP finances.

Mr Murrell, who is the party’s former chief executive, was arrested on Wednesday.

Ms Sturgeon told reporters outside her Glasgow home: "Peter’s at home as you would expect it to be. Peter’s not able to say anything.

"Again, that’s not necessarily a matter of choice. That’s just the nature of this."

Former FM asks for a ‘little bit of privacy'

15:08 , Matt Mathers

Nicola Sturgeon has asked for a "little bit of privacy in my own home" following her husband Peter Murrell’s arrest in a police investigation into SNP finances.

Speaking outside her home near Glasgow she said: "I’m also entitled to a little bit of privacy in my own home, and my neighbours I think are also entitled to a wee bit of privacy as well.

"Over the years, as a result of living next door to me, they’ve been subjected to more than their fair share of disruption and inconvenience.

"And that has obviously been particularly the case over the last couple of years.

"So as all of you do your jobs, I hope and I know you’ll get some respect to that. So that’s really all I needed to say."

‘Obviously nothing I can say'

15:02 , Matt Mathers

Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has said that there is “nothing” she can say about the ongoing investigation into her party’s finances.

Speaking outside her home near Glasgow, she told reporters: “Well first off, there is obviously nothing I can say about the ongoing investigation.

“As much as there are things I may want to say, I’m not able to do so, other than to say that, as has been the case, there will continue to be full cooperation.

“The last few days have been obviously difficult, quite dramatic at times, but I understand that is part of a process.”

ICYMI: SNP auditors quit days after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, arrested in finance probe

14:40 , Matt Mathers

The firm that audits the SNP’s accounts has resigned just days after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband was arrested as part of a police investigation into the party’s finances.

Accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael told the party that it took the decision after reviewing its client portfolio.

Emily Atkinson reports:

SNP auditors quit days after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested in finance probe

What has SNP president Mike Russell said about finance probe?

13:40 , Matt Mathers

Earlier we reported that Mike Russell, the SNP president, said his party was facing the biggest crisis in 50 years following the arrest of Peter Murrel.

In an interview with The Herald newspaper, Mr Russell said recent weeks had been “wearing” for the SNP, which recently selected Humza Yousaf to succeed Ms Sturgeon as party leader.

He said: “In my 50-year association with the party this is the biggest and most challenging crisis we’ve ever faced, certainly while we’ve been in government.

“But I have an obligation to this party and the movement for Scottish independence that’s been such a massive part of my life for so long.”

He continued: “I don’t think independence can be secured right now; we need to work towards some coordinated campaigning.

“But I think this is achievable. My main focus is how we can create a new Yes movement that allows for different visions but conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust.”

ICYMI: Anas Sarwar: SNP has ‘big questions’ to answer following Murrell arrest

12:40 , Matt Mathers

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said there are “big questions” to be asked of the SNP following the arrest of the party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell.

Mr Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, was arrested on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into the SNP’s finances.

Lauren Gilmore reports:

Anas Sarwar: SNP has ‘big questions’ to answer following Murrell arrest

What the SNP arrest means for UK politics and Scottish independence

11:40 , Matt Mathers

The SNP was already in a ‘tremendous mess’, as Sean O’Grady explains.

Read Sean’s full piece below:

What the SNP arrest means for UK politics and Scottish independence

SNP facing biggest crisis in 50 years amid finance probe, says president

11:00 , Matt Mathers

A senior figure in the SNP has said the party faces its biggest crisis in 50 years amid the police investigation into its finances.

Mike Russell, the SNP president and a former minister, also said he does not think independence can be achieved “right now”.

On Wednesday, former chief executive Peter Murrell was arrested by police investigating the spending of around £600,000 which was earmarked for an independence campaign.

Neil Pooran reports:

SNP facing biggest crisis in 50 years amid finance probe, says president

Recap: Operation Branchform: Timeline of police probe into SNP finances

10:40 , Matt Mathers

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, was arrested in connection with a Police Scotland investigation into party finances.

The probe into £660,000 raised specifically for Scottish independence campaigning was launched after it was alleged money had been diverted from “ring-fenced” fund – sparking the exit of several senior people from the SNP.

The Independent takes a closer look at how the story of the finance inquiry and Mr Murrell’s arrest unfolded.

Adam Forrest reports:

Operation Branchform: Timeline of police probe into SNP finances

ICYMI: Police spotted scouring Sturgeon home after husband’s arrest in finances probe

09:40 , Matt Mathers

Police were seen scouring the back garden of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon after her husband was arrested following an investigation into the SNP’s finances.

Peter Murrell, who married the former party leader in 2010, stepped down as the SNP’s chief executive last month following a controversy about misleading information being given to journalists over the party’s membership numbers.

Mr Murrell was arrested on Wednesday as a result of a long-running, police investigation into the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

He has since been released without charge. Full report:

Police spotted scouring Sturgeon home after husband’s arrest in finances probe

Opinion: Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now?

08:38 , Matt Mathers

The troubles of the SNP will not end the quest for Scottish independence, writes Mary Dejevsky.

Read Mary’s full piece here:

Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now? | Mary Dejevsky

ICYMI: Nicola Sturgeon says it was 'right' for husband Peter Murrell to step down

07:30 , Peony Hirwani

‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf – but questions grow for SNP

06:30 , Peony Hirwani

ICYMI: Claims that the SNP and police were “in cahoots” over the timing of Peter Murrell’s arrest have been dismissed as a conspiracy theory by new party leader, Humza Yousaf.

Archie Mitchell reports.

‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf as questions grow for SNP

SNP auditors quit days after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, arrested in finance probe

05:30 , Peony Hirwani

The firm that audits the SNP’s accounts has resigned just days after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband was arrested as part of a police investigation into the party’s finances.

Accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael told the party that it took the decision after reviewing its client portfolio.

Read more:

SNP auditors quit days after Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested in finance probe

Flynn expresses ‘shock’ at seeing police tent outside Sturgeon’s home

04:30 , Emily Atkinson

In case you missed it...

The SNP’s Westminster leader has expressed “shock” at seeing a police tent set up outside Nicola Sturgeon’s home following the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell.

Speaking to the News Agents podcast, Stephen Flynn said: “I’ll be honest with you, it came as a little bit of a shock to me to see those images because I think we all associate police tents with forensic activities and the like, but I don’t know what the police are doing.

“I don’t know what they’re looking for. I don’t know what they’ve found, if anything. It’s all guesswork at this stage.”

He added: “I mean it’s hard to get the imagery of that tent out of your mind, isn’t it? It’s kind of stuck in my mind the last 24 hours or so, that’s for sure.

“But again, I don’t know what it is the police are actually doing or looking for so it’s hard to put any of that together.”

Who is Peter Murrell?

02:30 , Emily Atkinson

For almost a decade Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon were the husband and wife team in charge of the SNP.

But now Mr Murrell is at the centre of an SNP finance investigation and has been arrested by Police Scotland in connection with the ongoing probe into the party’s financing.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has the details:

Who is Peter Murrell? Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested over SNP finance probe

SNP hires leading ‘white collar crime’ lawyer - reports

Saturday 8 April 2023 00:30 , Emily Atkinson

The SNP has hired a top “white collar crime” lawyer amid the ongoing police investigation into the party’s finances, reports say.

It comes after first minister Humza Yousaf suggested on Thursday that only Peter Murrell, the party’s former chief executive and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was suspected of any guilt.

According to his website, Stuart Munroe’s areas of expertise include “white collar crime and associated litigation” and “allegations of financial crime”.

The Telegraph reports that Mr Munro has been engaged by the SNP, and that the party is not paying Mr Murrell’s legal fees.

Mr Munro previously acted for Andy Coulson, the disgraced former News of the World editor, in his 2015 perjury trial.

Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now?

Friday 7 April 2023 22:30 , Emily Atkinson

A meltdown, an implosion, a trainwreck: however you describe what has happened in Scottish politics over the past eight weeks, it is hard to envisage any rapid return to pre-eminence for the SNP, writes Mary Dejevsky. It is hard, too, to feel anything other than sympathy for Scottish National Party’s new leader, Humza Yousaf, who has been unceremoniously left with a shattered inheritance.

The dawn raid by police at the house shared by the former SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, and her husband, the party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell, signified the latest nadir. A neighbour saw the blue tent erected in the garden and feared there had been a murder.

There had not been a murder – but a death of a kind there had been. The dream – for some Scots – of independence is over, probably for at least a generation.

Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now? | Mary Dejevsky

ICYMI: Police continue search of Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell’s house after husband released

Friday 7 April 2023 20:30 , Emily Atkinson

Voices: Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now?

05:28 , Peony Hirwani

The troubles of the SNP will not end the quest for Scottish independence, believes Mary Dejevsky.

Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now? | Mary Dejevsky

Nicola Sturgeon was forced to quit, claims Alex Salmond

Friday 7 April 2023 18:27 , Emily Atkinson

Nicola Sturgeon was forced to quit as first minister, Alex Salmond has claimed as he asserted that the circumstances of her resignation had “delegitimised” Humza Yousaf’s position as her successor.

Former SNP leader Mr Salmond said that Mr Yousaf’s reputation as “the continuity candidate” was hindering his chances of success as first minister.

“Nicola is the only person who can say why she decided to go when she did, but clearly her departure was not planned,” he told The Times.

Mr Salmond went on to suggest that Ms Strugeon was forced to resign due to her decision in January to apply to the Supreme Court to contest the government’s move to block the gender recognition reforms, and then not to follow through.

“It is like Churchill and Suez. [Churchill] said he should never have started it, but having started it, he’d have to finish it,” Mr Salmond told the newspaper

“On the Supreme Court, I would never have started it, but having started it, you can’t say, midstream, ‘I’m not going to do that any more’.

“Abandoning halfway through is to invite inevitable failure. So clearly it wasn’t the intention to go when Nicola went, it wasn’t a planned departure in that sense. The SNP obviously has questions to answer and the problem with it is that it delegitimises Humza.

“They have to answer questions about why they changed the rules around the leadership election, why it was rushed through, why the extraordinary anxiety to get Humza in and the equally extraordinary campaign against Kate and Ash.”

Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon ‘must be upfront’ about party finances, says Tory MSP

Friday 7 April 2023 16:31 , Emily Atkinson

Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon “must be upfront” about the “wall of secrecy” around the SNP’s finances, a Tory MSP has said.

Conservative MSP Donald Cameron said accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael’s resignation today “only raises further questions about the increasingly murky picture surrounding the SNP‘s finances.’

He went on: “Given this firm have audited the party’s accounts for so long, the SNP must be fully transparent over why they have decided to quit now.

“The extraordinary events of recent weeks leave the SNP with big questions to answer and their auditors’ resignation only adds to the growing number of issues they must address.

“The public are sick of the SNP shrouding matters relating to their finances behind a wall of secrecy and senior figures – including Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon – must be upfront about this situation.”

SNP accountants resign

Friday 7 April 2023 13:39 , Jane Dalton

The accountancy firm that has been auditing the SNP’s accounts have resigned after the party’s former chief executive was arrested in a police investigation into the finances.

Johnston Carmichael, which had worked with the party for more than a decade, reviewed its client portfolio, the BBC reports.

The SNP has launched a tendering process for new accountants.

An SNP spokesman said: “We can confirm that Johnston Carmichael will not be providing audit services to the SNP this year.”

Humza Yousaf: No conspiracy over timing of the arrest of Peter Murrell

Friday 7 April 2023 11:56 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

Claims that the SNP and police were “in cahoots” over the timing of Peter Murrell’s arrest have been dismissed as a conspiracy theory by the First Minister, as he admitted the situation had been “difficult and bruising” for the party.

Police searched the home Mr Murrell – the former chief executive of the party – shared with former first minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday as part of an investigation into how £600,000, earmarked for an independence campaign, was spent.

Mr Murrell was released on Wednesday evening without charge, pending further investigation.

Speaking to journalists in Bute House on Thursday, Mr Yousaf said it was “very, very clear that the governance of the party was not as it should be”.

Humza Yousaf: No conspiracy over timing of the arrest of Peter Murrell

Who is Peter Murrell? Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested over SNP finance probe

Friday 7 April 2023 10:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

For almost a decade Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon were the husband and wife team in charge of the SNP.

But now Mr Murrell is at the centre of an SNP finance investigation and has been arrested by Police Scotland in connection with the ongoing probe into the party’s financing.

Police Scotland said a 58-year-old man is in custody and is being questioned by detectives.

Thomas Kinglsey reports:

Who is Peter Murrell? Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrested over SNP finance probe

Nicola Sturgeon ‘likely’ influenced by police probe when she decided to quit, ex-SNP minister claims

Friday 7 April 2023 09:04 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A police probe into Nicola Sturgeon’s husband was “likely” a factor in her decision to quit, an ex-SNP minister claimed.

Scotland’s former health secretary Alex Neil said it is “hard to believe” the investigation, which saw her husband arrested yesterday morning, was not a factor in Ms Sturgeon’s resignation.

And, speaking to The Independent, he said the leadership election which saw Humza Yousaf take over as SNP leader and first minister was a “total stitch up”.

Seperately, Mr Neil told the BBC: “Nicola resigned very suddenly, everybody and their granny knew about this investigation.

“There were very strong rumours for the past couple of months that some kind of arrest was possibly imminent. So it is hard to believe that it was not a factor in Nicola’s consideration.”

‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf as questions grow for SNP

Mary Dejevsky: Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now?

Friday 7 April 2023 02:00 , Emily Atkinson

A meltdown, an implosion, a trainwreck: however you describe what has happened in Scottish politics over the past eight weeks, it is hard to envisage any rapid return to pre-eminence for the SNP, writes Mary Dejevsky. It is hard, too, to feel anything other than sympathy for Scottish National Party’s new leader, Humza Yousaf, who has been unceremoniously left with a shattered inheritance.

The dawn raid by police at the house shared by the former SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, and her husband, the party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell, signified the latest nadir. A neighbour saw the blue tent erected in the garden and feared there had been a murder.

There had not been a murder – but a death of a kind there had been. The dream – for some Scots – of independence is over, probably for at least a generation.

Scotland has been a one-party state in all but name – so what now? | Mary Dejevsky

Nicola Sturgeon’s husband arrest - all we know as police search former SNP leader’s garden and bins

Friday 7 April 2023 00:00 , Emily Atkinson

Police remain outside the home of Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell after he was arrested and released without charge in a probe into the SNP’s finances.

Former SNP chief executive Mr Murrell’s arrest has raised questions about what his wife, the former SNP leader, knew about the investigation before her abrupt resignation last month.

Three police vans were parked outside the couple’s Glasgow home on Thursday morning, with two uniformed officers stationed outside.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more:

Nicola Sturgeon husband arrest - all we know as police search ex SNP leader’s garden

‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf – but questions grow for SNP

Thursday 6 April 2023 22:00 , Emily Atkinson

Claims that the SNP and police were “in cahoots” over the timing of Peter Murrell’s arrest have been dismissed as a conspiracy theory by new party leader, Humza Yousaf.

Police detained Mr Murrell and searched the home he shares with his wife Nicola Sturgeon as part of an investigation into how £600,000, earmarked for an independence campaign, was spent.

Mr Murrell recently quit as chief executive of the party, while Ms Sturgeon stood down as leader and first minister of Scotland, citing the pressures of almost a decade in the job.

Read our political correspondent Archie Mitchell’s rundown of today’s developments:

‘No conspiracy over arrest timing’ says Yousaf as questions grow for SNP

Flynn expresses ‘shock’ at seeing police tent outside Sturgeon’s home

Thursday 6 April 2023 20:00 , Emily Atkinson

The SNP’s Westminister leader has expressed “shock” at seeing a police tent set up outside Nicola Sturgeon’s home following the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell.

Speaking to the News Agents podcast, Stephen Flynn said: “I’ll be honest with you, it came as a little bit of a shock to me to see those images because I think we all associate police tents with forensic activities and the like, but I don’t know what the police are doing.

“I don’t know what they’re looking for. I don’t know what they’ve found, if anything. It’s all guesswork at this stage.”

He added: “I mean it’s hard to get the imagery of that tent out of your mind, isn’t it? It’s kind of stuck in my mind the last 24 hours or so, that’s for sure.

“But again, I don’t know what it is the police are actually doing or looking for so it’s hard to put any of that together.”

Latest images from Peter Murrell’s Glasgow home

Thursday 6 April 2023 19:01 , Emily Atkinson

Images capture police officers carrying boxes filled with what appears to be teabags, milk and other kitchen supplies from the house of Peter Murrell in Glasgow.

The former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) was "released without charge pending further investigation" after he was arrested on Wednesday as part of a probe into the party's finances.

A second photo shows a series of dated boxes stacked inside Mr Murrell’s garage.

First Minister dismisses SNP leadership election ‘conspiracy theory'

Thursday 6 April 2023 18:15 , Emily Atkinson

Claims that the SNP and police were “in cahoots” over the timing of Peter Murrell’s arrest have been dismissed as a conspiracy theory by the first minister.

Speaking to journalists in Bute House on Thursday, Mr Yousaf said it was “very, very clear that the governance of the party was not as it should be”.

But Scottish Tory constitution spokesman Donald Cameron said Mr Yousaf had not previously raised issues about governance of the party publicly, accusing him of trying to “distance himself” from Peter Murrell.

“These belated calls for transparency and about how the SNP should be run, simply will not wash,” Mr Cameron added.

Asked if the leadership election, which concluded last week with a win for Mr Yousaf, would have been impacted by Mr Murrell’s arrest had it happened while it was taking place, Mr Yousaf said: “To me, that sounds like a bit of a conspiracy theory that somehow we are in cahoots with Police Scotland.

“The timing of an investigation is absolutely for Police Scotland, that’s not determined by anybody else.”

Officers remain outside home of former Scottish first minister

Thursday 6 April 2023 17:30 , Emily Atkinson

Police are still lining the street outside the home of former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell.

Yesterday, police arrested and later released Mr Murrell, the former chief executive for the Scottish National Party, as part of an investigation into the party's finances.

Here are some photos from the scene taken at 5pm:

‘Bruising’ period for SNP presents ‘opportunity’ for next generation of politicians, says Yousaf

Thursday 6 April 2023 16:46 , Andy Gregory

Here are more details from Humza Yousaf’s comments to reporters this afternoon.

Speaking to journalists in Edinburgh’s Bute House on Thursday, Scotland’s first minister said it was “very, very clear that the governance of the party was not as it should be”.

Asked if the leadership election, which concluded last week with a win for Mr Yousaf, would have been impacted by Mr Murrell’s arrest had it happened earlier, Mr Yousaf said: “To me, that sounds like a bit of a conspiracy theory that somehow we are in cahoots with Police Scotland.

“The timing of an investigation is absolutely for Police Scotland, that’s not determined by anybody else.”

He added: “There’s no doubt the last few weeks and the events of yesterday have been difficult and bruising for the party,” he said.

“But there’s also an opportunity – with a new leader in place and a new chief executive in place, generally a next generation coming through. You’ve seen that with my cabinet, you’ve seen, of course, the Westminster leadership in terms of Stephen Flynn and Mhairi Black.

“There’s a huge opportunity for us to re-energise, to refresh, and to make sure we are being as bold and as ambitious as we possibly can be for the people of Scotland.”

Full report: Nicola Sturgeon ‘likely’ influenced by probe when she chose to quit, ex-SNP minister claims

Thursday 6 April 2023 16:17 , Andy Gregory

A police probe into Nicola Sturgeon’s husband was “likely” a factor in her decision to quit, an ex-SNP minister has claimed.

Scotland’s former health secretary Alex Neil said it is “hard to believe” the investigation, which saw her husband arrested yesterday morning, was not a factor in Ms Sturgeon’s resignation.

And, speaking to The Independent, he said the leadership election which saw Humza Yousaf take over as SNP leader and first minister was a “total stitch up”.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has the full report:

Nicola Sturgeon decision to quit ‘likely’ influenced by police probe, ex-SNP minister

Police remain outside Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell’s home

Thursday 6 April 2023 15:48 , Andy Gregory

Police have dismantled one of the screens outside the Glasgow home of Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell, but several uniformed officers remained outside the house on Thursday afternoon.

Officers could be seen carrying what looked like toolboxes and rolls of cable from the property.

Claims of SNP leadership election ‘stitch up’ are ‘conspiracy theory’, says Humza Yousaf

Thursday 6 April 2023 15:24 , Andy Gregory

Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf has denounced claims police are “in cahoots” with the SNP over the timing of Peter Murrell’s arrest as a “conspiracy theory”.

Speaking to media at his official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, he said the last few days have been “difficult and bruising” for the party.

Former SNP chief Mr Murrell was arrested then released without charge on Wednesday over a long-running investigation into the party’s finances.

Mr Yousaf said it is “very very clear” the SNP’s governance needs to be improved, but said he has faith in Colin Beattie as party treasurer.

Humza Yousaf election now looks like 'stitch-up', says ex-SNP minister

Thursday 6 April 2023 14:49 , Andy Gregory

My colleague Adam Forrest reports:

Former SNP minister Alex Neil has told The Independent that the leadership election which saw Humza Yousaf take over as SNP leader and first minister looked like a “total stitch up”.

Mr Neil said: “The contest was a total stitch up. The party establishment moved heaven and earth to make sure Humza won.

“He was the continuity candidate and had all this happened before members were able to vote I am certain the continuity candidate would not have won.”

The former Scottish health secretary added: “But it is over now, the race has been run and you should not cry over spilled milk. Humza should bring [leadership rival] Kate Forbes into his cabinet to reunite the party.”

Health secretary says he will not provide ‘running commentary’ on police investigation

Thursday 6 April 2023 14:18 , Andy Gregory

The Scottish Government will not provide a “running commentary” of the investigation into the SNP’s finances, Scotland’s health secretary has said, but conceded it was a “difficult time” for the party.

Speaking during a visit to an NHS 24 call centre in Glasgow, Michael Matheson told the Press Association: “There’s a live police investigation here and I think the important thing is that we give the police the space that they need – without a running commentary – as part of their investigation.

“I don’t intend to be providing a running commentary around that. What I’ve been very clear about - and what the party has been very clear about - is that the party will comply with any requests made by the police for information.”

He added: “I think it’s important that I acknowledge – and the first minister acknowledged this yesterday – it’s a difficult time for the party at the present moment, given this investigation, but it’s important we allow the police to get on with their job and to carry out a very thorough and detailed investigation, and see what the outcome of that is.”

Video report: Peter Murrell arrested in SNP finance probe

Thursday 6 April 2023 13:49 , Andy Gregory

Timeline of police probe into SNP finances

Thursday 6 April 2023 13:22 , Andy Gregory

Police Scotland launched an investigation in 2019 into potential criminality in the SNP’s fundraising, after claims around £660,000 raised since 2017 for a second independence referendum campaign was spent on other things.

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest has taken a closer look at how the story of the finance inquiry and Peter Murrell’s arrest unfolded:

Operation Branchform: Timeline of police probe into SNP finances

Who is Peter Murrell?

Thursday 6 April 2023 12:51 , Thomas Kingsley

Peter Murrell was born in Edinburgh in 1964 and attended Craigmount High School in the city before studying at the University of Glasgow.

He was SNP chief executive since 1999, and was the man responsible for the day-to-day running of the party, which was at one point the second largest in the UK. That job meant Mr Murrell was one of the most influential figures in Scottish politics, despite having never been an elected politician.

However last month he announced he was resigning with immediate effect, amid a row over the party’s membership numbers and transparency. It comes almost a quarter of a century after he succeeded Mike Russell, the current SNP president, as the party’s chief executive.

Before that Mr Murrell had worked in the constituency office of former SNP leader Alex Salmond.

Mr Murrell married Ms Sturgeon, then SNP depute leader and Scottish deputy first minister, in 2010, with Mr Salmond, the then first minister, among the guests. The pair had first met in 1988 at an SNP youth weekend but didn’t become a couple officially in 2003.

What role did Peter Murrell play in the SNP?

Thursday 6 April 2023 12:24 , Andy Gregory

Peter Murrell is regarded by many as having played a key role in transforming the party’s fortunes, helping to modernise SNP operations, reports my colleague Thomas Kingsley.

While membership has fallen from the peak of about 125,000 achieved in 2018, to the recently revealed total of 72,186, the party remains easily the largest in Scotland.

And with Mr Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon at the helm, the SNP has cemented its electoral dominance, having been in power at Holyrood since 2007 and won every election north of the border since then.

However, critics of the SNP under Ms Sturgeon’s leadership, both inside and outside the party, long questioned whether it is appropriate to have the key roles of leader and chief executive held by one couple.

An earlier arrest could have impacted SNP leadership election, suggests ex-minister

Thursday 6 April 2023 11:52 , Andy Gregory

Had Peter Murrell’s arrest come earlier, it could have impacted upon which SNP politician was chosen to replace Nicola Sturgeon, a former Scottish Government minister has suggested.

Asked about Humza Yousaf's election as Scotland’s first minister, Salmond-era minister Alex Neil said: “Humza stood as the continuity candidate. Had this all happened ... prior to the ballot opening, I’m absolutely sure that the continuity candidate would have found it much more difficult to win.”

‘Hard to believe’ probe not factor in Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation, says former SNP minister

Thursday 6 April 2023 11:36 , Andy Gregory

Former Scottish Government minister Alex Neil said it is “hard to believe” that Peter Murrell’s arrest was not a factor in Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as first minister.

The Salmond-era health secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Well, Nicola did resign very suddenly. Everybody and their granny knew about this investigation.

“There were very strong rumours for the last couple of months that some kind of arrest was possibly imminent, so it’s hard to believe that it wasn’t a factor in Nicola’s consideration. Given that a large number of people had been interviewed, including staff at SNP headquarters, it’s hard to believe Nicola wasn’t aware.”

More police officers arrive at Peter Murrell’s Glasgow home

Thursday 6 April 2023 10:50 , Andy Gregory

More police officers have been seen arriving at the Glasgow home of Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon.

Several were stationed outside while plain-clothes officers could be seen entering and leaving the property, one carrying two large rolls of bubble wrap.

One of the uniformed officers was wearing white protective foot coverings while other officers could be seen carrying them after leaving the house. One of the police vans left the scene at around 10.15am.

Labour lead Tories in London by 40%, YouGov finds

Thursday 6 April 2023 10:25 , Andy Gregory

As the arrest of Peter Murrell – who was released without charge – raises SNP fears of a dent in its electoral prospects in the face of an ascendant Scottish Labour party, polling by YouGov suggests that Sir Keir Starmer’s party leads the Tories in London by 40 per cent.

It is the largest Labour lead since YouGov’s polling began in 2010.

Politics Explained | What the SNP arrest means for UK politics and Scottish independence

Thursday 6 April 2023 09:56 , Andy Gregory

How much trouble is the SNP in? After 16 years in power, mostly without much serious competition, the party seems to be losing its mojo, writes our associate editor Sean O’Grady:

What the SNP arrest means for UK politics and Scottish independence

Pictured: Ex-SNP leader’s home remains cordoned off

Thursday 6 April 2023 09:31 , Andy Gregory

Three police vans were parked outside the home of Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell this morning, with two uniformed officers stationed outside.

A large blue tent remained in place in the front garden of the property, which has been screened off with blue police screens, while the house and garden remain cordoned off with police tape.

Nicola Sturgeon pulls out of climate change event

Thursday 6 April 2023 09:12 , Andy Gregory

Nicola Sturgeon has pulled out of a climate change event this evening as police continue to investigate her husband in a probe into the SNP’s finances.

Ms Sturgeon had been due to take part in a conversation with Mexican diplomat Patricia Espinosa, former chair of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Edinburgh Science Festival.

An Edinburgh Science spokesperson said: “While Nicola Sturgeon MSP is no longer attending our Climate of Change event, we are thrilled to be welcoming MSP Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, who will join ambassador Patricia Espinosa for this vital conversation.

“The Edinburgh Science Festival has been proudly programming events such as these which highlight and inspire people of all ages and all backgrounds to action on our climate emergency for many years. We look forward to welcoming our audiences to this insightful and inspiring discussion.”

Police continue search of Nicola Sturgeon’s home after husband released

Thursday 6 April 2023 08:51 , Andy Gregory

Police vans parked outside Sturgeons home

Thursday 6 April 2023 08:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Three police vans were parked outside the Glasgow home of Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell on Thursday morning, with two uniformed officers stationed outside.

A large blue tent remains in place in the front garden of the property, which has been screened off with blue police screens.

The house and garden remain cordoned off with police tape.