SNP's Peter Murrell seen for the first time since his arrest

Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP, leaves his home in Wuddington, Glasgow Thursday. Photo: Andrew Milligan

The former SNP chief executive was seen leaving the house he shares with Nicola Sturgeon for the first time since his arrest.

Peter Murrell, 58, was pictured leaving the couple's mansion not far from Glasgow, which was raided by police earlier this month.

Mr. Murrell was detained on April 5 and interrogated by detectives for 11 hours before being released without charge «pending further investigation.»

Police investigating the SNP's finances also arrested the party. Treasurer Colin Beatty on Tuesday, who was also released without charge and later resigned.

A motorhome that was intended for a party campaign was seized in Mr. Murrell's mother's driveway on Wednesday, April 9 .

Mr Murrell, wearing a jacket and blue shirt, was pictured leaving the couple's home in Wuddington in their black Peugeot and did not speak to the media.

Mr. Murrell was detained on April 5 and interrogated by detectives for 11 hours before being released without charge. Minister Humza Yusuf was forced to oversee the party's finances after Mr Beatty stepped down as treasurer on Wednesday.

Mr Beatty, who is also a member of the SNP MSP, served as Treasurer from 2004 to 2020 and again from 2021.

Talking to the BBC, Mr Yousaf said he hoped soon appoint someone to what is usually an elected position.

He said: “In the coming days we will appoint a treasurer, but of course, as party leader, I will make sure to control the finances of the party . But we will appoint a new national treasurer as soon as we can.”

This post is usually elected by members, but Mr. Yusuf said the party is not going to be on time" to elect someone to this role, and he ruled out the possibility of continuing to work in this post at the same time as party leader and first minister.

Asking whether he pushed Mr. Beatty to resign, Mr. Yusaf said: "Colin and I had a conversation, as you would expect from us, and he realized that it would be best for the party if he resigned from the position of national treasurer.'

Mr. Yusuf appears for questions from the First Minister at lunchtime.