Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, has officially declared her involvement in the ongoing Operation Branchform investigation as part of her application to be a candidate for the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the 2026 Holyrood election. The vetting process for potential candidates required them to disclose whether they were under any criminal investigation, a routine part of the application form for over a decade, according to an SNP spokesperson.
Operation Branchform was initiated by Police Scotland in 2021 to look into the expenditure of over £600,000 of donations meant for supporting a second independence referendum. Sturgeon, along with two other senior party members, was arrested and questioned by the police last year in connection to this investigation. Despite being released without charge, the investigation is ongoing.
A party source expressed concerns about Sturgeon’s candidacy, stating that individuals under investigation for serious crimes should not be considered for political positions, especially given her husband’s charges related to embezzlement of party funds. Scottish Conservative MSP, Annie Wells, described the situation as a significant embarrassment for Sturgeon, highlighting the unusual nature of a former First Minister confirming they are under police investigation.
Sturgeon has consistently denied any wrongdoing amidst these allegations and investigations, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and accountability. The disclosure of her involvement in Operation Branchform adds a layer of complexity to her political aspirations within the SNP.
In summary, Nicola Sturgeon’s application to be an SNP candidate for the 2026 Holyrood election has been overshadowed by her connection to the ongoing Operation Branchform investigation. The revelation of her involvement in the police inquiry has raised questions about her suitability for political candidacy, despite her continued denial of any wrongdoing. As one of the key figures in Scottish politics, Sturgeon’s candidacy is now under scrutiny as she navigates the complexities of legal investigations alongside her political ambitions.