Nicola Sturgeon has admitted she is suffering her “worst nightmare” as an investigation into the SNP’s financial matters takes place.
The former Scottish first minister told reporters that the crisis facing the party is unexpected, and insists it is not the reason for her resignation.
Sturgeon said she is frustrated at not being able to put her point across, but that is the “nature of the process”.
She said: “I’m not complaining about this, I understand the process is under way, is that I’m not able to give may version of what is going on just now.”
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Nicola Sturgeon's husband was arrested by police PASturgeon praised her successor, Humza Yousaf, saying he is performing an “outstanding job” despite the issues he has been forced to contend with.
She told reporters: “I think Humza is doing, in very, very difficult circumstances, an outstanding job. I have become ever more convinced - and I was already convinced of this - that he’s going to be a very fine first minister.
“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.
“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.
"I believe the SNP, notwithstanding the real difficulties that surround the party just now, is in good shape and I think Humza will take it to even better places."
Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, who had been the SNP’s chief executive during her time as first minister, was arrested earlier this month in connection with the inquiry into SNP finances.
He was later released without charge, but the investigation has continued to fester causing chaos for the SNP.T
he party’s treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested in the same police probe, before also being released without charge pending further investigation.
Asked if what is going on is her “worst nightmare”, the former first minister said: “The last few weeks have been very, very difficult, and I don’t think anybody would believe me if I said anything other than that.”
She refused to comment on the campervan seized by police from the home of her husband’s mother, citing the live police investigation.
Earlier, Mr Beattie said he was not aware of the purchase of the vehicle – which is valued at up to £110,000 – despite reports it was planned to be used for party campaigning.
Despite the police investigation, the former first minister said the party is “in good shape”.
