After extensive inquiries that have shaken Scotland's political landscape, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is no longer under investigation regarding alleged financial irregularities associated with the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Nicola Sturgeon Exonerated in SNP Finance Investigation
Nicola Sturgeon Exonerated in SNP Finance Investigation
Former Scottish First Minister Cleared Amid Ongoing Legal Troubles for Ex-Husband
Nicola Sturgeon, a formidable figure in Scottish politics, has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing connected to the financial scrutiny confronting her former party, the SNP. The police in Scotland announced their findings on March 20, 2025, relieving Sturgeon of the stress induced by the investigation that had ensnared her since her arrest in June 2023. The inquiry, known as Operation Branchform, aimed to uncover financial misconduct within the SNP as tensions about Scottish independence heightened.
The allegations stemmed from financial discrepancies tied to party funds, targeting Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, the SNP’s former chief executive. Murrell, who faced embezzlement charges and appeared in court, has not yet entered a plea, indicating that his legal troubles continue to unfold independently of Sturgeon’s situation.
Adding to the family turmoil, Sturgeon announced that she and Murrell had separated in January, with the couple undergoing divorce proceedings during this politically taxing period. The investigation initially cast a pall over the SNP, which has played a pivotal role in Scotland's political narrative for nearly 20 years.
In their statement, police did not mention Sturgeon or Colin Beattie, a former SNP treasurer implicated in the investigation, by name, in accordance with British legal practices. However, they did confirm that both individuals, identified only by their ages, would face no charges and are no longer subjects of inquiry. Following the announcement, an obviously relieved Sturgeon spoke to reporters near her Glasgow residence, expressing her gratitude for the thoroughness of the investigation and the clarity it has ultimately provided.
The outcomes of Sturgeon’s case potentially set a precedent for future political accountability in Scotland and reflect broader concerns regarding transparency within political organizations amid heightened scrutiny over financial governance.
