Sturgeon’s husband charged after investigation into SNP finances

FORMER SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been charged in connection with embezzlement of SNP funds following a police investigation into the party’s finances.

The 59-year-old husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was taken into custody for questioning at 9.13am, more than a year after his first arrest.

Police confirmed yesterday evening that he has been charged in connection with their investigation into SNP finances.

The force said in a statement: “A 59-year-old man has today, Thursday, April 18 been charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

“The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on April 5, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.

“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.

“The man is no longer in police custody. As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.

“The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.”

On April 5, 2023, police searched Mr Murrell’s home near Glasgow, which he shares with Ms Sturgeon. He was later released without charge pending further investigation.

Last night’s charge follows a probe known as Operation Branchform into the spending of more than £600,000 in donations for independence campaigning. Ms Sturgeon, who resigned as first minister and SNP leader in February 2023, was arrested two months after her husband, while the former party treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested.

Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie were released without charge pending further investigation.

A blue forensic tent was erected in the couple’s garden last year as part of the investigation and the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh was also searched.

Police also seized a camper van from outside the Fife home of Mr Murrell’s mother.

Following Ms Sturgeon’s arrest in June 2023, she insisted she had “done nothing wrong”.

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said the re-arrest of Mr Murrell was “an extremely serious development”.