Nicola Sturgeon has withdrawn from a scheduled speaking engagement following the recent police questioning of her husband, Peter Murrell, who was arrested and later released without charge as part of an ongoing investigation into party finances. A search by the police also resumed at the couple's home in Glasgow on Thursday. To replace her absence, the cabinet secretary for net zero, MÃ iri McAllan, will speak in her place at the Climate of Change event. If you require more information or the latest updates on the situation, I recommend checking reliable news sources.
According to a spokesperson, Nicola Sturgeon made the decision not to participate in the event in order to ensure that the focus remains on the important issue of the climate emergency and the contributions of Ambassador Patricia Espinosa. The spokesperson added that her absence would help keep the event's attention on this critical issue.
The spokesperson also mentioned that Nicola Sturgeon is appreciative of the festival and Ambassador Espinosa for their comprehension of the situation, and grateful to Mairi McAllan for stepping in to take her place at the event.
Peter Murrell was apprehended at 07:45 on Wednesday and was subsequently released around 19:00 on the same day.
On the day of the search, Nicola Sturgeon was reportedly present at her residence in Glasgow when the police arrived, but denied having any prior knowledge of their plans. During the search, officers questioned Peter Murrell and searched both their home and the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh as part of an ongoing investigation into party finances. On Thursday, a considerable police presence remained at the couple's house, with a tent still in place, and a van seen reversing into it at approximately 07:00.
Police Scotland issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that their officers had conducted searches at multiple addresses as part of their ongoing investigation. The statement did not disclose the exact locations of the searches or provide any further details regarding the investigation
According to the same statement issued by Police Scotland on Wednesday, following the searches, a report on their findings will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. It is up to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to determine whether charges will be brought against any individuals or organizations related to the ongoing investigation.
Peter Murrell, who has been married to Nicola Sturgeon for 13 years, resigned from his position as SNP chief executive last month. Murrell had held the post since 1999 before stepping down.
Last week, Humza Yousaf succeeded Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland's first minister. In response to Peter Murrell's arrest, Yousaf stated that it was a challenging day for the SNP, but the party had cooperated fully with the police and would continue to do so.
In July 2021, Police Scotland launched a formal investigation into the finances of the SNP following complaints about the use of donations. The donations were reportedly for a fresh independence referendum campaign, and questions had been raised about how the funds were used. Seven individuals had made complaints, leading to a probe being set up in consultation with prosecutors.
Despite concerns about the SNP's finances and a formal investigation by Police Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon had previously stated that she was not worried about the party's financial situation. In fact, she had assured the public that every penny raised in online crowdfunding campaigns would be used to support the independence campaign.
According to a statement by the SNP, the party had raised a total of £666,953 through referendum-related appeals between 2017 and 2020. The party had pledged to spend these funds on the independence campaign. However, questions were raised when the party's accounts showed that it had just under £97,000 in the bank at the end of 2019, and total net assets of about £272,000
Correction: It should be "Mr Murrell gave a loan of more than £100,000 to the SNP to help it out with a "cash flow" issue after the last election. The then SNP's chief executive loaned the party £107,620 in June 2020. The SNP had repaid about half of the money by October of that year."
A spokesperson for the SNP had stated that the loan of over £100,000 given by Mr Murrell to the party was a "personal contribution" aimed at helping with "cash flow" issues following the Holyrood election. The loan was reported in the party's 2020 accounts, which were published by the Electoral Commission in August last year.
According to an SNP spokesperson, the loan was disclosed in the party's 2021 accounts that were published by the Electoral Commission in August of last year.
Several issues had raised concerns about the SNP's financial management prior to Mr Murrell's resignation. In June 2021, MP Douglas Chapman resigned as party treasurer, citing a lack of access to financial information needed to carry out his role effectively. In addition, Mr Murrell took responsibility for misleading statements about the fall in party membership, which had dropped from 104,000 to 72,000 in two years. He resigned as SNP chief executive in March 2022.