Police arrested Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell on Wednesday in connection with a probe into the SNP’s finances.
Its former chief executive, 58, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning, as officers searched a number of addresses, including the couple’s Lanarkshire home.
He was later released without charge pending further investigation.
The SNP has been under pressure to explain questions about donations given to the party for independence.
Mr Murrell, who married Ms Sturgeon in 2010, stepped down from his role last month following a row over the reporting of SNP membership numbers, a controversy that also saw communications chief Murray Foote resign.
This is how leading figures in Scottish politics reacted.
Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister
Ms Sturgeon’s camp issued a statement on Wednesday night.
A spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation.
“Nicola Sturgeon had no prior knowledge of Police Scotland’s action or intentions.
“Ms Sturgeon will fully cooperate with Police Scotland if required however at this time no such request has been made.”
Humza Yousaf, First Minister
First Minister Humza Yousaf says he only became aware of the arrest of Peter Murrell after it took place.
“I won’t comment on a live police investigation,” he told the PA news agency,
“Of course, as party leader, I will know the financial state and health of the party.
“As I’ve already made clear, one of the first things I did was talking to our party lawyers around about the current live police investigation.
“I’ve never been an office bearer in the party, I’ve not had a role in the party finances.”
He added: “There’s an opportunity with new leadership to make sure we’re being transparent.”
The former justice, health and transport secretary, who lives in Broughty Ferry, said the party’s national executive committee had agreed to a review of governance and transparency.
Asked if the arrest would hurt the SNP in the polls or at a potential by-election, he said: “It certainly doesn’t do us any good.
“People will have questions, there will be some concerns. Our party membership will have concerns too.
“What I can commit to as party leader is that we want to be absolutely transparent.”
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader
Mr Sarwar called the situation “extremely serious” and the police should be allowed to “do their jobs”.
Speaking at the Parkhead Youth Project in Glasgow, he added: “There are big questions to be asked of both Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon.
“And, in the fullness of time, I hope those questions are asked.”
Alex Salmond, former First Minister
Ex-SNP leader and first minister Alex Salmond to reporters outside the BBC building in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
He declined to comment on the specifics of Mr Murrell’s arrest but spoke of his disappointment at the current state of the party.
“I led the SNP for a long time, so I’m very sad about what’s happened, and indeed about what it’s become.”@AlexSalmond reacts to the news that Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell has been arrested in probe into party finances. @LBC @LBCNews pic.twitter.com/T3ZBeaIxpP
— Jack Foster (@jackfostr) April 5, 2023
Mr Salmond said: “I led the SNP for a long time so I’m very sad about what’s happened to it and indeed what it’s become.
“But we should remember the cause of independence and the case for it has never been stronger.”
Douglas Ross, Scottish Conservatives leader
Mr Ross says voters deserve answers from SNP chiefs.
He said: “Both the former first minister and the current first minister must fully co-operate with the police over this ongoing investigation.
“This is clearly a serious case and it is vital that Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf explain what they knew, and when they knew it.
“The case has become increasingly murky for those at the top of the SNP and the public understandably do not want this to be shrouded in SNP secrecy.
“Transparency is key as the police continue their investigations into the SNP’s finances.”
The SNP
The party released a statement following Peter Murrell’s arrest on Wednesday morning.
A spokesperson said: “Clearly it would not be appropriate to comment on any live police investigation but the SNP have been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so.
“At its meeting on Saturday, the governing body of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a review of governance and transparency – that will be taken forward in the coming weeks.”