Nicola Sturgeon says she has no updates on the SNP police investigation since her arrest 18 months ago, focusing on her life instead
Glasgow: Nicola Sturgeon recently shared that she knows “nothing more” about the ongoing police investigation into SNP finances since her arrest over a year and a half ago. She mentioned she’s just trying to get on with her life.
Sturgeon, the former leader of the SNP, was arrested back in June 2022. The police had raided her home in April 2023, shortly after she stepped down as Scotland’s first minister. Her husband, Peter Murrell, faced charges related to party funds later on.
Since then, not much has changed in the investigation. Sturgeon, who denies any wrongdoing, expressed that she hasn’t heard anything new. She said, “I have nothing to add. Nothing to offer you on that.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, she remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside. However, she’s faced some criticism for not being very active in the Scottish Parliament this year.
Interestingly, even with the uncertainty, she’s submitted papers to run for another term in the next Holyrood election in 2026. She’s still weighing her options, saying she’ll make a decision in good time.
On a different note, Sturgeon has been busy working on her memoirs, which came with a hefty advance. She also made some money appearing on ITV during the general election, where the SNP didn’t do so well.
As for the police investigation, it’s known as Operation Branchform. Police Scotland has presented their findings to the Crown Office and are waiting for further instructions on what to do next.
Colin Beattie, the former SNP treasurer, was also arrested but hasn’t been charged yet. The investigation started back in 2021 after concerns were raised about missing funds related to a second independence referendum.