Concerns rise as delays in prosecuting SNP leaders impact public trust and party support
Edinburgh: A former SNP MP, Tommy Sheppard, is sounding the alarm about the delays in deciding whether to prosecute senior party figures, including Nicola Sturgeon. He believes this uncertainty is really hurting Scottish politics.
Sheppard pointed out that the ongoing police investigation has been dragging on for nearly four years. He feels it’s like a dark cloud hanging over the SNP, and it’s time for someone to make a decision about what happens next.
Peter Murrell, who used to be the SNP chief executive and is Sturgeon’s husband, was charged with embezzling party funds back in April 2023. Meanwhile, Colin Beattie, a former party treasurer, and Sturgeon were also arrested, but it’s still unclear if any charges will follow.
While Sheppard isn’t passing judgment on anyone’s guilt or innocence, he’s calling for some clarity. He thinks the ongoing allegations of corruption are really undermining support for the SNP.
Even though the party has seen some improvement in polls under First Minister John Swinney, Sheppard warns that many voters who left the party aren’t likely to return until this investigation is resolved.
The whole mess started back in 2021 when independence supporters raised concerns about around £600,000 in donations that seemed to have vanished from party accounts. The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, has since expanded beyond those initial complaints.
Sheppard expressed frustration in a column for The National, saying there’s no clear timeline for when this investigation might wrap up. He believes it’s crucial for the situation to be resolved soon, as the uncertainty is damaging Scottish politics.
He emphasized that the people facing accusations deserve to have their cases addressed promptly. Police Scotland submitted their findings months ago, but there’s been no public update since then.
Recently, a leading KC, Thomas Ross, suggested it’s unlikely that Sturgeon and Beattie will face prosecution, as it would be typical for them to be charged alongside Murrell.
Ross also mentioned that time is of the essence for any potential trial, as delays could lead to arguments about fairness in the legal process.
Sheppard added that the investigation casts a long shadow over the SNP, making it look suspicious even if the party itself isn’t at fault. He noted that the media often frames the situation as an investigation into the SNP’s finances, which implies guilt.
While Sturgeon has denied any wrongdoing, Murrell hasn’t publicly commented on the allegations against him, and Beattie has said it’s not appropriate to discuss an ongoing case.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service stated that a thorough review of the evidence is underway. They confirmed that a standard prosecution report has been received regarding a 59-year-old man, with ongoing investigations into two other individuals as well.
They assured that professional prosecutors will make decisions on the next steps independently, without political influence.
