An Alba Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) expressed optimism that the ongoing police investigation known as Operation Branchform into the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) finances will be resolved promptly. Ash Regan, who is vying for the leadership role in the Alba party, highlighted concerns about the investigation’s duration, stating that the scrutiny into SNP finances was “taking a long time.” Operation Branchform was initiated in 2021 to scrutinize the expenditure of over £600,000 in donations raised by the SNP for the indyref2 campaign. During the period under investigation, Nicola Sturgeon was the leader of the SNP, and her husband, Peter Murrell, served as the party’s chief executive. Last year, Murrell faced charges related to embezzlement, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Lord Carloway, the highest-ranking judge in the country, remarked last month that there seemed to be a delay in the proceedings. Regan, a former SNP Minister competing for the vacant Alba leadership position, expressed his hopes for a resolution in the near future, acknowledging that such investigations can be time-consuming. Regan also touched upon the perceived fragmentation within the pro-independence movement, emphasising the need for greater unity.
The prolonged nature of the investigation has drawn criticism from various quarters. Former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard highlighted the detrimental impact of the ongoing probe on Scottish politics, underscoring the need for its conclusion. Operation Branchform gained national attention in April 2023 when searches were conducted at the residence of Sturgeon and Murrell, as well as at the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh. Sturgeon was arrested that year but subsequently released without charges. Sturgeon and Murrell have since separated.
In addition to Regan, another prominent figure contending for the Alba leadership is former Alba MP Kenny MacAskill. The uncertainties surrounding the SNP finances and the legal proceedings have underscored the need for transparency and accountability within the political landscape in Scotland. As the investigation continues, stakeholders await a resolution to bring clarity and closure to the matter.