June 13, 2023
2 mins read

Sturgeon will not be suspended from SNP

The long-running inquiry is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by supporters and earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning…reports Asian Lite News

The SNP has confirmed former leader Nicola Sturgeon will not be suspended amid a police probe into the party’s funding and finances.

The former first minister was arrested on Sunday morning and questioned for around seven hours before being released without charge pending further investigation.

Responding to calls to suspend the 52-year-old, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “No, I won’t be suspending Nicola Sturgeon. I’ll be treating her exactly in the same way as I treated, for example, Colin Beattie. Both released without charge, therefore there’s no reason for me to suspend them.”

In light of others being suspended from the SNP in the past in similar circumstances, Mr Yousaf added: “Look, I can only account for the decisions that I make, and I’m aiming to be as consistent in my approach to this. And I have shown that consistency because where individuals have been released without charge, let me emphasise that without charge, therefore I see no reason to suspend them. I can’t account for decisions that have been made in the past. I can only account for the decisions that I choose to make.”

Following her release from custody, Sturgeon said she would “never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country” and described the situation as a “shock and deeply distressing”.

She added: “Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail. However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms. Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.” Police Scotland launched Operation Branchform into the SNP’s funding and finances back in 2021.

The long-running inquiry is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by supporters and earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

It is understood there have been complaints the ringfenced cash has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere. Sturgeon, the MSP for Glasgow Southside, is the third high-profile SNP politician to be arrested in connection with the probe.

Her husband, ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested and later released without charge back in April.

Earlier on Monday, former SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan said Sturgeon should consider resigning her SNP membership. Angus MacNeil, SNP MP, also called for “political distance” amid the “soap opera”, claiming Ms Sturgeon “suspended others from the SNP for an awful lot less” during her time in charge.

SNP MSP Michelle Thomson also suggested Sturgeon should resign the party whip – saying she had had to do it when she was an MP despite not being “personally under investigation” and “certainly not arrested”.

ALSO READ-Police release Sturgeon without charge

Previous Story

‘Arab World home to thousands of hope makers’

Next Story

Prince Harry opens up on claims that King Charles isn’t his father

Latest from -Top News

India Slams BBC Over Pahalgam Coverage

Several social media users pointed out that the BBC’s headline appeared misleading, giving the impression as if “India killed the tourists.”…reports Asian Lite News India has written to a leading British public

Financial Turmoil Grips Bangladesh

The crisis emerged with the political transition after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following a violent uprising last year….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh is grappling with an economic crisis

Hamas Meets Turkish FM Over Gaza Crisis

The delegation briefed Hakan on the latest developments regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the delegation’s recent visit to Cairo….reports Asian Lite News A Hamas delegation met with Turkish Foreign

India, France Set to Seal Rafale Deal

Estimated cost of this deal is valued at around Rs 63,000 crore…reports Asian Lite News India and France will on Monday sign the deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Humza frontrunner to replace Sturgeon

Yousaf disclosed in his opening speech that he was one

Scotland’s first minister Sturgeon resigns

The SNP’s polling has dipped, making a dent in its