NICOLA Sturgeon has given her support to Chris Law, saying she understands the Dundee MP is confident he can resolve allegations of financial irregularity.
Police interviewed Law on Wednesday, questioning him about the accounts of the Spirit of Independence campaign he founded ahead of the 2014 referendum.
Law and his refurbished Green Goddess fire engine were a familiar sight during the referendum campaign, travelling cross-country to raise funds for Yes Scotland.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 46-year-old man had been detained and was released pending further inquiry.”
Law is the second SNP MP to be questioned by police over alleged financial irregularities.
On Tuesday police charged Natalie McGarry with embezzlement of funds, breach of trust and an offence under the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013.
The Glasgow East MP resigned the SNP whip last year when detectives started an investigation into a five-figure sum missing from the coffers of the Woman From Independence campaign group.
Michelle Thomson, the Edinburgh West MP, also stood down from the SNP in September last year, after Police Scotland launched an investigation into deals made on behalf of her property company, M&F Property Solutions, by solicitor Chris Hales.
Sturgeon said: “The charges against Natalie McGarry are serious criminal charges. They now have to be dealt with in a court of law and since that matter is now subject of criminal charges it would be completely inappropriate for me to say anything else about it.”
She added: “Chris, as I understand it, yesterday attended the police station, he provided information to the police relating to a matter that they are investigating and he has agreed to provide them with further information.
“He hasn’t been charged with any offence and he is confident that he will be able to resolve this matter and hopefully do so quickly.”
The First Minister refused to be drawn on questions about the possible return of Thomson to the party.
Last month, Thomson’s Westminster colleagues pushed to have her reinstated after police said she was not under investigation. That request is to be considered at a meeting of the party’s ruling NEC this weekend.
“Michelle Thomson is not in the SNP at the moment and that remains the position,” Sturgeon said.
Pushed on whether the question would be considered by the NEC at the weekend, she added: “The NEC will consider what matters it chooses to consider, but Michelle Thomson is not in the SNP.”
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