United Kingdom: arrest of Peter Murrell, husband of the former Scottish First Minister

Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell in London in June 2022 (illustration photo). AP - Kirsty O'Connor

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The husband of Nicola Sturgeon, former Scottish First Minister, has been arrested as part of an investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The eight-year leader resigned from her post last February and her husband Peter Murrell also stepped down as executive director of the movement, which Sturgeon led.

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With our correspondent in the UK, Marie Boëda

Police Scotland has just questioned Peter Murrell, 58. The latter served as chief executive of the Scottish National Party, the Scottish independence party, for 24 years.

The arrest occurred on Wednesday morning, April 5. Searches were taking place today at the SNP's premises in Edinburgh, but also at the couple's home in Glasgow. Several police cars surrounded the house, and officers set up a tent in their backyard.

Police Scotland positioned outside the home of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell in Uddingston, Wednesday, April 5, 2023. AP - Andrew Milligan

The investigation concerns donations collected by the party, 680,000 euros in total. Several complaints have been filed about the use of these funds. This money was originally intended to support the campaign for a new referendum on Scottish independence. It would eventually have covered the day-to-day running costs of the party.

► Read also Scotland: the husband of Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, resigns from the leadership of the SNP

The SNP, which has just elected its new leader, now Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, assures in a press release that it collaborates with the police.

►Listen: Humza Yousaf, a young and left-leaning First Minister to lead Scotland

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  • Humza Yousaf
  • United Kingdom
  • Justice