Former Scotland PM arrested by police probing governing party's finances

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who dominated politics in Scotland for years, has been arrested by police investigating the funds of the governing, pro-independence Scottish National Party.

Police Scotland on Sunday mentioned a 52-year-old lady was detained “as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party”.

“The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives,” the pressure mentioned.

Nicola Sturgeon speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, Wednesday, Feb. 15 2023. — Resigining in February, Sturgeon mentioned it was the suitable time for her, her celebration and her nation to make manner for another person. (Jane Barlow/Pool photograph through AP)

The BBC and different media retailers recognized the arrested lady as Sturgeon. The celebration didn’t instantly remark.

Scottish police have been investigating how £600,000 ($1.2 million) designated for a Scottish independence marketing campaign was spent.

Party treasurer Colin Beattie and former chief govt Peter Murrell had been arrested beforehand and questioned as a part of the investigation. Neither has been charged.

Murrell is Sturgeon’s husband, and police searched the couple’s house in Glasgow after his arrest in April.

She mentioned that it was the suitable time for her, her celebration and her nation to make manner for another person.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon prepares to answer questions on Scottish Government issues, during a press conference at St Andrews House on Monday February 6, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. — Sturgeon left workplace amid divisions within the SNP and along with her major objective — independence from the UK for the nation of 5.5 million individuals — unmet. (Jane Barlow-Pool/Getty Images)

Sturgeon left workplace amid divisions within the SNP and along with her major objective — independence from the UK for the nation of 5.5 million individuals — unmet.

Scottish voters backed remaining within the UK in a 2014 referendum that was billed as a once-in-a-generation choice.

Sturgeon’s departure unleashed a tussle for the way forward for the SNP amid recriminations over the celebration’s declining membership and divisions about the most effective path in the direction of independence.