The SNP’s accountants have resigned in the wake of the investigation into the party’s finances and the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon’s husband. Peter Murrell was arrested – and released 11 hours later – on Wednesday. Accountants Johnston Carmichael, which has worked with the party for more than a decade, told the BBC the decision was taken after a review of its client portfolio.
Mr Murrell was arrested on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
The SNP is currently subject to a police investigation into whether £600,000 earmarked for independence campaigning was diverted elsewhere in 2021.
The Scottish Police released a statement confirming Mr Murrell has been released without charge at 6.57pm, after having been arrested at 7.45am.
They added: “A 58-year-old man who was arrested as a suspect earlier today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.”
“The matter remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public is therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
“As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”
There was has been a heavy police presence outside the home Ms Sturgeon shares with her husband this week, as well as a major police presence at the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh.
UPDATES TO FOLLOW…
