Nicola Sturgeon pulls out of climate event as police search continue

Nicola Sturgeon pulls out of climate event as police search continue

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s former first minister, withdrew from the Climate of Change event after her husband, Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was questioned by police on Wednesday in relation to party finances.

Murrell was released without charge pending further investigation, and a police search of the couple’s Glasgow home resumed on Thursday. 

Ms Sturgeon said that the cabinet secretary for net zero, Màiri McAllan, would take her place at the event to ensure that the focus remained on the critical issue of climate change. 

Mr Murrell resigned as SNP chief executive last month after holding the post since 1999. In July 2021, a formal investigation into the SNP’s finances was launched after receiving complaints about how donations were used for a fresh independence referendum campaign. Seven people made complaints, and a probe was established following talks with prosecutors.