MURRELL'S TROUBLE AND STRIFE

Sturgeon breaks silence after hubby Peter's theft charge

- PAUL HUTCHEON

NICOLA Sturgeon has admitted her husband being charged over embezzling SNP funds was "incredibly difficult" for her.

The former first minister appealed for privacy after breaking her silence outside the Uddingston home she shares with Peter Murrell.

The 59-year-old former SNP chief executive was charged on Thursday by police in connection with the alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.

The investigation was launched following a complaint about how nearly £600,000 of IndyRef2 donations were spent.

Sturgeon left her marital home yesterday and got into a car saying "It's an incredibly difficult time for me but that's not the main issue here. So I can't say anything more. I won't say any more if you don't mind.

"I'm now going for a quick walk if that's all right with you.

I know you've a job to do but I ask you maybe to give my neighbours peace.

"There's nothing going to be happening here." Sturgeon spoke out as her successor Humza Yousaf said the charges against Murrell were "really serious".

Speaking about them for the first time, Yousaf said: "This is a serious development and, as per the police statement of course, an allegation of embezzlement and of party funds, that is a really serious and concerning matter.

"And all of those people who have known Peter Murrell for a number of years within the SNP and indeed across Scottish politics will be shocked.

"There is an ongoing investigation. We've got to allow the police and indeed the Crown to do their job. Just as I've got a job to do as First Minister.

"That job, of course, is ensuring I support business, I help households throughout the cost-of-living crisis, help to cut waiting times in the NHS, that I advance the cause of independence."