Nicola Sturgeon speaking during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh where she announced she will stand down as First Minister of Scotland on February 15, 2023 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Jane Barlow | Getty Images
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested Sunday by police investigating the finances of the governing, pro-independence Scottish National Party.
Police Scotland said a 52-year-old woman 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 force said.
U.K. police do not name suspects until they are charged. The BBC and other media outlets identified the arrested woman as Sturgeon. The SNP did not immediately comment.
Scottish police have been investigating how 600,000 pounds ($745,000) designated for a Scottish independence campaign was spent.
Party treasurer Colin Beattie and executive director Peter Murrell were arrested previously and questioned as part of the investigation. Neither has been charged.
Murrell is Sturgeon’s husband, and police searched the couple’s home in Glasgow after his arrest in April.
Sturgeon unexpectedly resigned in February after eight years as party leader and first minister of Scotland’s semi-autonomous government. She said that it was the right time for her, her party and her country to make way for someone else.
