Nicola Sturgeon states she has ‘nothing more’ to add on police inquiry

Nicola Sturgeon has stated she possesses “nothing more” in the way of information regarding the police inquiry into the financial affairs of the SNP, a year and a half after her arrest and subsequent release without charges. The former first minister, who underwent questioning by law enforcement personnel in June of the previous year, expressed a desire that the investigation “wasn’t there” but acknowledged having no “control” over its progression. She has pledged full cooperation with the authorities and maintained her innocence, stating she has done nothing wrong. Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP and husband to Sturgeon, faced charges of embezzling party funds in April. When questioned about the police investigation, known by the codename Operation Branchform, the former leader of the SNP informed BBC Scotland News: “It’s not something I have any control over and I don’t think it would be surprising to anybody to hear me say of course I wish it wasn’t there – but it is what it is and it will take its own course.” She further added: “In the meantime I’m getting on with my life, I’m enjoying getting on with my life and there’s no point in me talking about things I can’t comment on anyway.” Operation Branchform has been underway for over two years, examining the whereabouts of £660,000 in donations contributed to the SNP by activists advocating for independence. It came to light in September that officers had forwarded to prosecutors the findings they had gathered in an “advice and guidance report,” and are now requesting formal counsel regarding their subsequent actions. This update was understood to pertain to Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, both of whom have continued to be under investigation following their arrests and releases without charge last year. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) stated at that time that the police report was being reviewed. In response to Sturgeon’s remarks, a spokesperson for COPFS indicated that prosecutors would examine the materials submitted by the police and would determine the “next steps.” They further stated: “All Scotland’s prosecutors operate independently of political influence.” A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that the force was awaiting instructions from COPFS “on what further action should be taken.” Sturgeon’s resignation as first minister in March 2023, after serving eight years, was unexpected. She denied that her choice was swayed by the police investigation. When questioned about whether she missed her role as first minister, the former SNP leader informed BBC Scotland News: “No I don’t.” She elaborated: “Don’t get me wrong, there are days I miss it, I miss the people I worked with. I miss aspects of the job. “But I don’t miss it in the sense of wishing I was back there – most days I’ll have a moment of relief at some point that I’m not still in Bute House.” She concluded this point by stating: “Life is short for all of us and I’m looking forward to a new phase of life, a different phase of life, and leaving the stresses and strains of being first minister to other people.” Since returning to the backbenches, Sturgeon has faced criticism from adversaries for speaking only four times in the parliamentary chamber this year, with one instance involving an issue concerning her voting application. The Glasgow Southside MSP informed BBC Scotland News that her focus was on constituency duties. She stated: “I will speak, whether in parliament or publicly, on things I care about and where I think my voice can make a difference,” adding, “I think it is important for a former first minister not to constantly be getting in the way of those who come after them and I’ll always try not to do that.” She continued: “But I’ll speak up on the things I care about and the things I believe in and I’ll continue to stand up and fight for the things I believe in no matter how difficult or controversial at times that can be.” The extended duration taken by Scotland’s prosecution service to reach a decision regarding Operation Branchform is a point of consideration. The inquiry commenced over three years ago and is understood to involve intricate accusations of financial misconduct. In May, subsequent to charging Peter Murrell, Police Scotland submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office, outlining their discoveries. A second report, requesting “advice and guidance” concerning Nicola Sturgeon and Colin Beattie, was presented by the police force in August. The Crown Office has maintained close collaboration with the police throughout these proceedings. However, the roles are distinct: police conduct investigations, while prosecutors pursue legal action. The Crown’s team is expected to meticulously examine the reports as they determine whether legal proceedings should be initiated against any individual. The outcome of Branchform is anticipated to be the most politically sensitive decision made by the Crown since the prosecution of Alex Salmond, though the identities of the individuals concerned are not expected to influence the process. The determination rests on whether sufficient evidence exists to present a case to a jury. Irrespective of the potential frustration for all parties involved, including the SNP, this process is expected to unfold over its necessary duration.