Sources within the SNP believe that Ms Sturgeon could be forced to quit as an MSP “sooner rather than later”.

She is to stay away from Holyrood this week, despite previously pledging to be an active backbencher, and has not set a date for her return.

Mr Blackford said: “If you listen to that clip, what the First Minister was reflecting on was the ability of the SNP to conduct itself as an organisation, having the financial resources in order to fight elections and to support its members.

“There is nothing which is in any way untoward on that clip that was shown over the course of the weekend.”

Humza Yousaf, who replaced Ms Sturgeon, is facing opposition demands to suspend her and Mr Murrell’s party memberships if she refuses to walk away voluntarily.

The Sunday Mail, which obtained the video of Ms Sturgeon, reported that police were also examining claims that she had sought to block enhanced scrutiny of the SNP finances by vetoing the proposed appointment of a fundraising manager.

However, asked whether Ms Sturgeon should be suspended while police carried out their probe, Mr Blackford said “goodness gracious, absolutely not, there’s no need for that at all”.

He went on to praise Ms Sturgeon, who he still referred to as “the first minister” despite her resignation, for what she had “done for us”.

On growing expectations that Ms Sturgeon would quit the party, he told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland: “I think what you’ve seen is idle speculation.

"I speak to my colleague Nicola on a very regular basis and I can tell you that she’s focused on serving the interests of her constituents.

“I think history will judge all of us, and show a woman that has led our country through the Covid pandemic, has given inspiring leadership to all of us. She’s still got an awful lot to give.”