NICOLA Sturgeon has spoken out after her husband Peter Murrell was charged in connection with embezzlement of funds.
Scotland’s former first minister said the situation has been “incredibly difficult”.
Speaking to media outside her home in Glasgow today, she said “I can’t say any more”.
She asked for peace for her neighbours before leaving by car.
READ NEXT: Peter Murrell charged in connection with embezzlement of SNP funds
Murrell, the 59-year-old former chief executive of SNP was taken into custody for questioning on Thursday morning, more than a year after his first arrest as part of the investigation known as Operation Branchform.
Police confirmed on Thursday evening he has been charged as part of the probe.
He has resigned his SNP membership.
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has said the news is a “really serious matter indeed”.
He said he first became aware late on Thursday evening.
The party leader added: “Many people in the SNP, right across Scottish politics will be shocked by the news and this is an ongoing investigation.
“Police, the Crown have a job to do, just as I have a job to do as First Minister, that job of course is ensuring that I support business, that I help households throughout the cost-of-living crisis, that I help to cut waiting times in the NHS, that I advance the cause of independence, so that’s the job that you can imagine I’m focused on.”
He added: “As per the police statement it is a very serious development, as per the police statement it’s an allegation of embezzlement from the party, embezzlement of funds from the party. That’s really serious indeed.”
Asked whether Peter Murrell should have been suspended from the party before he had the chance to resign, Yousaf said: “Well, again, you’re right, he’s resigned his membership of the SNP and I already commented before when he was of course first arrested.
“Of course we’ve continued to allow the police to conduct their inquiries, conclude their inquiries where necessary before taking any further action, but it’s right to say that Peter Murrell of course has resigned his SNP membership.”
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