The leader of the Scottish Conservatives has been branded a “fantasist” after he suggested Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to announce her divorce may be “connected” to an ongoing police investigation into SNP finances.
Russell Findlay told reporters today the former first minister “doesn’t do very much at all without a reason”.
Sturgeon announced her split from Peter Murrell, the ex-SNP chief executive, in a social media post on Monday.
The couple have been under investigation as part of a long-running police probe examining how more than £600,000 of donations to the SNP were ultimately spent.
Sturgeon, who was questioned by detectives in 2023 before being released without charge, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Murrell was arrested and charged with embezzlement last year. Prosecutors have yet to announce whether he will face trial.
Speaking to journalists following a speech in Edinburgh, Findlay was asked for his comments on the divorce. “You know, it’s obviously a private matter,” he said.
He added: “I’ve got a calculator on the phone that’s perhaps less calculating than the former first minister. She doesn’t do very much at all without a reason. I guess it may well be connected to ongoing issues that are happening elsewhere. I guess time will soon tell.”
But Tommy Sheppard, a former SNP MP, has now hit back at Findlay.
“To hint that the timing of the announcement on separation is linked to Branchform is nonsense,” he told the Record. “Branchform has got nothing to do with it. Russell Findlay is a fantasist.”
Sturgeon used Instagram yesterday to announce her marriage with Murrell was over.
Under the heading ‘Personal’, she wrote: “With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.
“To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it’s time to bring others up to speed with where we are.
“It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will. We will be making no further comment.”
Sturgeon and Murrell have not been seen publicly together for almost two years.
The former first minister previously insisted her marriage was “not something anyone should worry about” after her shock resignation as First Minister in February 2023 following eight years in the job.
The next month Murrell resigned as SNP chief executive after 24 years in the job.
Within weeks Operation Branchform cops raided their home on the outskirts of Glasgow.
A spokeswoman for Sturgeon declined to comment.
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