Nicola Sturgeon breaks silence as she’s seen for first time since husband Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement
NICOLA Sturgeon has broken her silence after Peter Murrell was charged with alleged embezzlement of funds from SNP finances.
Cops confirmed the former First Minister’s husband was taken into custody yesterday and was questioned by detectives as part of the Operation Branchform investigation.
Blinds were drawn at Ms Sturgeon’s Uddingston property and there was no sign of any movement this morning.
The former First Minister later emerged to speak to the media, dressed in black leggings and a pink fleece.
Speaking outside her home for the first time, the former First Minister was approached by journalists.
She said: “There is absolutely nothing I can say given the circumstances.
“I’m now going to go for a walk if that alright with you.
“I know you’ve got jobs to do, but can I ask you to maybe give my neighbours some peace.
“There is nothing going to be happening here.”
She was asked if it was a difficult time for her personally.
She responded: “It’s incredibly difficult, but that’s not the main issue.
“I can’t say anymore, I’m not going to say any more.
“I hope you can appreciate I’m quite a new driver, try not to distract me while I’m driving away.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf responded to the news of Mr Murrell being charged, and confirmed both Nicola Sturgeon and Colin Beattie were still SNP members.
He said: “This is a serious development and as per the police statement of course, the allegation of embezzlement from and of party funds, that is a really serious and concerning matter.
“And all those people who have known Peter Murrell for a number of years within the SNP and indeed across Scottish politics will be shocked.
“Now there is an ongoing investigation. We’ve got to allow the police and indeed the Crown [Office] to do their job, just as I’ve got a job to do as First Minister.
“That job of course ensuring that I support households throughout the cost-of-living times, ensuring that we cut waiting times in the NHS, and ensuring we support businesses and ensuring I advance the cause of independence, that’s the job that I’m focused on.”
Footage captured this morning shows a police van driving past Ms Sturgeon’s property.
An SNP spokesman confirmed Peter Murrell had resigned as a party member, stating: “While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation remains ongoing and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment.”
The bombshell came a year after Mr Murrell and ex-Nats treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested, grilled by detectives and then released without charge — as was Ms Sturgeon on June 11 last year.
Police raided the couple’s home last April, with a forensics tent pitched in front and officers seen carrying out boxes.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said yesterday: “A 59-year-old man has today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, 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 5 April, 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.”
More to follow.
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