Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland, has stated that she has no additional information regarding the ongoing police investigation, Operation Branchform, into SNP finances, which led to her arrest 18 months ago. Sturgeon was questioned by detectives and released without charge in June 2023 as part of the investigation. The probe began in July 2021 following complaints about the use of donations by the SNP for another independence referendum. Despite the lack of a conclusion to the investigation, Sturgeon mentioned that she is focusing on her life at present. She announced her resignation in February 2023 and has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her resignation was not linked to the police inquiry.
Following Sturgeon’s arrest, her husband, Peter Murrell, and the then-SNP treasurer, Colin Beattie, were also questioned by detectives. While Beattie and Sturgeon were released without charge pending further inquiries, Murrell faced charges of alleged embezzlement of SNP funds in April of the following year. Sturgeon maintained her innocence after being released by police in June 2023, vehemently stating that she has done nothing wrong. When asked for updates on the investigation, Sturgeon expressed that she has no new information to provide and is focusing on her life for now.
In August 2024, Police Scotland shared the interim findings of the investigation with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for further direction on potential actions. Sturgeon, who recently submitted nomination papers for the upcoming 2026 Holyrood election, remarked that she has not yet decided whether to run again but will make a final determination in due course. The Chief Constable of Police Scotland indicated that the investigation is ongoing, without specifying a timeline for its completion.
In summary, Nicola Sturgeon has addressed the ongoing Operation Branchform probe, reiterating her lack of recent knowledge on the matter and emphasising her focus on her current activities and potential future political aspirations. The investigation, which began in 2021, involves concerns regarding SNP finances and donations, with Sturgeon, Murrell, and Beattie being key figures in the inquiry. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the investigation, Sturgeon remains engaged in politics, with her candidacy for the 2026 election under consideration.