NICOLA Sturgeon has branded the crisis engulfing the SNP as beyond her "worst nightmares" but denied she quit because of a police probe.
The former first minister also insisted she had not spoken to detectives about a long-running investigation into the party's finances, one which saw her husband, the former chief executive of the SNP, arrested.
Sturgeon spoke to journalists at the Scottish Parliament yesterday for the first time since her home was searched by officers earlier this month.
She shocked the political world in February when she announced her intention to resign as first minister and SNP leader after eight years in charge.
"I understand the view that some people might have, that I knew this was all about to unfold and that's why I walked away, the MSP for Glasgow Southside said.
"Nothing could be further from the truth. I could not have anticipated in my worst nightmares what would have unfolded over the past few weeks.
Police Scotland launched Operation Branchform in 2021 following several complaints from the public over how the SNP had spent donations that had been ring-fenced for independence campaigning.
Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and Sturgeon's husband, was questioned by detectives for several hours on April 6 before being released without charge.
The couple's house near Glasgow was also extensively searched by officers on the same day.
Denne historien er fra April 26, 2023-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 26, 2023-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ATA BHOY BRENDAN
Rodgers vindicated as he proves he can get results away against the big boys
IT WAS A THRILL MEETING OUR ZERO
Last-gasp tackles and headers galore but Trusty insists he loved Hoops' backs-to-the-wall display that earned vital point
ONE MAN AND HIS GOG
Tour with Tynie kitman shows boss Neil scale of task ahead
SLOT STERNUL
Nunez strike makes it 9 out of 9 for Pool
UNAITED FRONT
McGinn: Villa feed off driven Emery
THE RAG AND THRONE MAN
ANDERS HOLCH POVLSEN may carry a name that sounds more like a game changer on the pitch than off it.
TYSON BABY LOSS AGONY
| Fighter's wife suffered miscarriage ahead of Usyk bout
HAZEL'S BAFTA AWARD JOY
Sports broadcaster to receive prestigious gong
Hospital infection mum Gail''suffered too much'
A WOMAN who died after she contracted an infection linked to pigeon droppings \"suffered too much\", her daughter has told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
BRAVE RILEY'S TUMOUR FIGHT
Routine pre-school exam revealed golf ball-sized lump behind his eye