In connection with an inquiry into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, Peter Murrell, the husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has been detained on Wednesday.
After serving in the position for more than 20 years, Murrell, 58, resigned as the SNP’s chief executive last month after Sturgeon’s abrupt resignation as first minister in February.
According to a statement from Police Scotland, a 58-year-old male was “arrested as a suspect” and is currently being questioned by investigators.
The statement also stated that “officers are conducting searches at a number of homes as part of the investigation.”
He was later released without charge “pending further investigation,” according to Police Scotland, after spending nearly 12 hours in custody.
Police Scotland has been investigating the SNP’s handling of money that was slated for Scottish independence campaigning, according to PA Media.
A spokesperson for the SNP said the party would not comment on a live investigation, but it “has been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.”
The party’s governing body has agreed to a review of governance and transparency, the spokesperson added.
The SNP has led the Scottish government since 2007, but momentum behind its goal of breaking away from the UK has slowed recently as the party’s polling has dipped and political headaches have mounted.
Murrell and Sturgeon have been key figures in the Scottish independence movement for years.
Sturgeon served as the country’s first minister for eight years, but dramatically announced that she would resign from her post on February 15.
At the time, Sturgeon said she knew the “time is now” for her to stand down, adding that the move was “right for me, for my party and for the country.”
Her announcement sparked a leadership battle which was won by Humza Yousaf, a race which exposed divisions within the party.