Humza Yousaf has been told to “urgently come clean over what he knows” about the SNP’s finances.
This comes just minutes after Nicola Sturgeon was arrested as part of the investigation into the party.
Responding to the arrest, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP called on Humza Yousaf to “urgently come clean on what he knows”.
He said: “This is a deeply concerning development and the Police Scotland investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference.
“For too long, a culture of secrecy and cover-up has been allowed to fester at the heart of the SNP.”
He added: “The same culture that leads to police tents in front gardens created the deeply dysfunctional government that is currently failing Scots.
“Humza Yousaf must urgently come clean on what he knows – the people of Scotland deserve answers.”
Just hours before Ms Sturgeon’s arrest, SNP leader Humza Yousaf told the BBC Ms Sturgeon is “in a good place and doing well”.
He said he welcomed advice from “one of the best politicians, the most impressive politicians, Europe has seen over the last couple of decades”.
The former first minister is the third arrest made by the force, following her husband Peter Murrell and party treasurer Colin Beattie.
As well as the arrests, searches were carried out at a number of properties, including Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s home – where a police tent was erected in the garden – and SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.
A luxury £100,000 motorhome was also seized from outside the home of Mr Murrell’s mother in Dunfermline, Fife.
The investigation – dubbed Operation Branchform – began in 2021.
It was opened after allegations £600,000 raised for campaigning towards Scottish independence was diverted elsewhere.
Ms Sturgeon announced her resignation as first minister in February this year, saying it was not related to short-term pressures but because she knew in her “head and heart” the time was right to go.
Commenting on Ms Sturgeon’s arrest, a Police Scotland statement said: “A 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
“The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”
But a spokesperson for the SNP said the arrest took place after an interview with the police “by arrangement”.
Speculation about Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest had been ramped up following the arrest of Mr Beattie in April, as only she, Mr Beattie and Mr Murrell had signed off the SNP’s accounts for 2021/2022.
Speaking outside her Glasgow home following the arrest of her husband, the former Party Chief Executive, Ms Sturgeon promised to cooperate with the police inquiry if required.
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