Humza Yousaf says Peter Murrell case ‘very serious’ Achi-News

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

Mr Yousaf said he first became aware that Mr Murrell was being charged late on Thursday night.

Humza Yousaf (stock photo) (Image: PA)

The First Minister said: “Many people in the SNP, across Scottish politics, will be shocked by the news and this is an ongoing investigation.

“The police, the Crown have a job to do, just as I have a job to do as First Minister, that job is of course to make sure that I support business, that I help households throughout the cost of living crisis, that I help. to cut NHS waiting times, that I’m championing the cause of independence, so that’s the job you can imagine I’m focused on.”

Mr Yousaf added: “According to the police statement it is a very serious development, according to the police statement it is an allegation of theft from the party, theft of money from the party. That’s really serious.”

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READ MORE: How Contempt of Court relates to the arrest of former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell

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Asked whether Peter Murrell should have been banned from the party before he had the chance to resign, Mr Yousaf said: “Well, again, you’re right, he has resigned from the SNP and I already commented when it was of course. first arrest.

“Of course we have continued to allow the police to carry out their enquiries, complete their inquiries where necessary before taking any further action, but it is right to say that Peter Murrell has of course resigned from his membership of the SNP.”

Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon outside her home in Uddingston, Glasgow, after her husband was charged (Image: PA)

Murrell’s charge is part of an investigation known as Operation Branchform into spending more than £600,000 in donations for independence campaigning.

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READ MORE: SNP urged to co-operate with police after Murrell charged

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 are unable to comment further.”