13 hours ago

Paul O'Hare BBC Scotland News

Nicola Sturgeon said she didn't feel it was fair for Murrell to lose his job when she took over as SNP leader in 2014

Nicola Sturgeon has said she wishes she had not kept Peter Murrell on as SNP chief executive when she became party leader in 2014.

The former first minister described her now estranged husband as a "key figure" in the party's success under her late predecessor Alex Salmond.

But she told the audience at a book festival in Wales: "Definitely, with the benefit of hindsight, that was a decision I wish I had taken differently."

He was remanded in custody following the plea and could face a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced on 23 June.

An examination of facts surrounding the case is due to be heard on 2 June.

PA Media

The former SNP leader was questioned by detectives as part of the police investigation which led to the arrest of her husband Peter Murrell

Sturgeon appeared at the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, in Powys, in conversation with…