Achi news desk-
The police confirmed on Thursday evening that he had been charged as part of the investigation.
He has resigned from his membership of the SNP.
A 59-year-old man has been charged today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, in connection with the theft of money from the Scottish National Party. https://t.co/C0x86LBanE pic.twitter.com/NTo2OjZwHZ
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) April 18, 2024
The chairman of the Conservatives in Scotland, Craig Hoy, urged the SNP to “co-operate fully” as the investigation continues.
He said: “The announcement that Peter Murrell has been charged by Police Scotland is an extremely serious development in the investigation into the finances of the SNP.
“As the police investigation continues, it is now more important than ever that all SNP staff and politicians, past and present, co-operate fully.
“It appears that the investigation, which has been going on for three years, is reaching a conclusion and the SNP must commit to being completely open and transparent at this critical time.”
READ MORE: Peter Murrell charged in connection with SNP money theft
A spokesperson for the SNP said: “While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation is ongoing and it would therefore be inappropriate to make any comment.”
Murrell’s charge is part of an investigation known as Operation Branchform into spending more than £600,000 in donations for independence campaigning.
Police Scotland said in a statement: “Today, a 59-year-old man has been charged on Thursday April 18 in connection with the theft of funds from the Scottish National Party.
“The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on April 5 2023, was charged at 6.35pm following further questioning by Police Scotland detectives who investigates the finances and finances of the party.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
“The man is no longer in police custody.
“As this investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further.
“The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution when discussing it on social media.”
The former Chief Executive of the SNP, Peter Murrell, has been charged in connection with theft in relation to the finances of the SNP. This is a serious development in this three-year police investigation. pic.twitter.com/YqYvDr9vW2
— Craig Hoy ASA (@CraigWHoy1) April 18, 2024
Murrell arrived at the home he shares with Ms Sturgeon on the outskirts of Glasgow just after 8pm on Thursday night.
Ms Sturgeon, who resigned as prime minister and SNP leader in February 2023, was arrested two months after her husband was first arrested, while former party treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested’ last year.
READ MORE: Who is Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive?
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie were released without charge pending further investigation.
Murrell resigned as chief executive of the SNP – a role he had held for more than 20 years – during last year’s leadership campaign.
He has been married to Ms Sturgeon since 2010.
