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Daily Record
Politics
Chris McCall

Nicola Sturgeon paying own legal fees amid police investigation into SNP finances

Nicola Sturgeon is paying her own legal fees amid an on-going police investigation into SNP finances.

The former first minister was arrested and questioned by detectives for several hours yesterday in connection with Operation Branchform.

She was later released without charge pending further investigations.

The SNP today confirmed it was not paying her solicitor's costs.

Humza Yousaf previously declared the party would not be paying the legal costs of former chief executive Peter Murrell, who was quizzed by cops in April.

The arrest of Sturgeon left SNP members stunned yesterday as she became the third senior Nationalist to be questioned.

It comes as cops probe how the SNP spent more than £600,000 in donations which had been ringfenced for a future IndyRef2 campaign.

Speaking to reporters soon after Murrell's arrest, Yousaf was asked if the party would be paying Murrell’s legal fees and replied: “No.”

Asked why, he said: “He's no longer the chief executive of the party.

“We've taken a decision as a party not to pay those legal fees given he's no longer the chief executive of the party. I think that's pretty reasonable.”

In a statement yesterday, Sturgeon said: "To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.

“I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.

“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 do in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing."

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