Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is officially cleared of any further police investigation into the financial affairs of the Scottish National Party (SNP), as her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, faces serious legal challenges. The revelations come just as Murrell appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on March 20, 2025, charged with embezzlement.
Sturgeon, who served as Scotland's First Minister for eight years, has always maintained her innocence in connection with the investigations into alleged mishandling of party funds. With her case concluded, it's another chapter closed in a tumultuous period for the SNP, leaving many to wonder about the impact on the party's future.
According to Police Scotland, following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, "criminal inquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded."
This notable outcome comes just as the party grapples with the political fallout from the ongoing investigation known as Operation Branchform, which has been ongoing for nearly four years. It arose from allegations that as much as £650,000 of SNP funds had been handled fraudulently.
In a surprising turn of events, Sturgeon and her husband announced their separation earlier this year, and she confirmed that she has decided not to stand for re-election in the upcoming Holyrood election in 2026.
Peter Murrell was arrested in April 2023, after police conducted simultaneous raids on their shared home in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, and the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh. Tents were erected outside their home as police carried out extensive searches, removing documents and computers. This dramatic scene has not only drawn in the public but has left many within the SNP concerned about its repercussions.
Murrell remained in legal hot water following his rearrest in April 2024, ultimately leading to his charge for embezzlement. He made no plea during his recent court hearing, a standard procedure that serves to formally commence the prosecution process.
Sturgeon has remained resolute in her stance. "I am certain that I have done nothing wrong," she reiterated after her arrest in June 2023. Despite the police inquiries lingers so long over her head, her response has been consistently absent of contrition or admission of fault.
As the once-leading figure of the SNP, Sturgeon's situation has sparked discussions on what this meant for the broader political landscape in Scotland. Some observers note that the investigation may have contributed to the party's poor performance during the last UK general election in 2024.
Colin Beattie, another key figure in the party and former SNP treasurer, has also been cleared from any involvement in the investigation, having been arrested and released without charge in early 2023. This further clears the path for Sturgeon as she works to distance herself from the calamity engulfing her former administration.
In a broader sense, the SNP is facing significant scrutiny, with implications that reach far beyond these individual cases. Some party insiders have intimated that the allegations and subsequent investigations have engendered a notable decline in public trust, which may affect their standing in future elections.
Amid the political storm, Sturgeon's announcement about her memoirs, scheduled for publication in August 2025, may mark a decisive moment as she seeks to reshape her narrative and legacy. With her time as a political giant possibly coming to an end, there are calls from various quarters within the SNP to regroup and rebrand to restore public confidence.
Despite being cleared of wrongdoings related to SNP funds, the shadow of controversy looms heavily as Sturgeon contemplates her next steps away from public office. The end of her political career could expose changing dynamics within Scotland's legislative assemblies.
While many will watch closely as these developments unfold, it’s evident that the implications of the investigation and its surrounding events have shaken an already buoyant SNP. The road ahead remains uncertain as the party seeks clarity and direction in the aftermath of escalating controversies.
Ultimately, Nicola Sturgeon may be ready to close this chapter of her political life but with a keen awareness that the challenges facing the SNP are far from over. Only time will tell how the party will navigate the turbulence that continues to envelop its leadership and public perception.
