Former Scottish Leader Nicola Sturgeon Arrested in Connection to Financial Misconduct

Nicola Sturgeon, the former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was arrested on Sunday in connection to financial misconduct within her party. 

Sturgeon is the third person to be arrested as a result of Operation Branchform, a Scottish police investigation into allegations that the party misspent funds donated to the Scottish independence campaign, according to the Guardian. It is alleged that the party misused more than $700,000. 

One of the previously arrested officials was Peter Murrell, Sturgeon’s husband and former SNP chief executive. Former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested. Both were released without charges. 

Sturgeon was leader of the SNP from November 2014 until April 2023. The SNP, which advocates for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom, remains the majority party in Scotland. 

Sturgeon stepped down from her premiership in February and was succeeded by Humza Yousaf. She denied that her decision to step down was influenced by the investigation, according to the BBC.  

“Nicola Sturgeon has by arrangement with Police Scotland attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform,” said a spokesperson for Sturgeon, according to NBC News.

“Nicola has consistently said she would cooperate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so,” the spokesperson said.