Nicola Sturgeon to support SNP candidates during the election campaign
- Nicola Sturgeon will be joining the SNP election campaign to support candidates.
- Despite ongoing police investigation into SNP's finances, Sturgeon is seen as an asset to the party.
- Sturgeon plans to be involved 'from time to time' leading up to the July 4th vote.
John Swinney said Nicola Sturgeon is "welcome" to join the general election campaign. This happened after she mentioned supporting SNP candidates when needed. Recently, a report from Police Scotland was sent to the prosecution service regarding Ms. Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, who used to be the SNP chief executive. He was charged with embezzlement related to Operation Branchform. This investigation is about how around £600,000 raised by SNP supporters for the Scottish independence campaign was spent. So far, no charges have been brought against Ms. Sturgeon or Mr. Beattie in this case. The investigation is still ongoing. Mr. Swinney acknowledged that the SNP is facing challenges due to recent tough times. He praised Ms. Sturgeon for leading Scotland through difficult situations. When asked if Ms. Sturgeon would help or harm the campaign, Mr. Swinney stated that she is an asset. The SNP won 48 seats in the last general election, but due to defections and a by-election, they now have 43 MPs. Mr. Swinney admitted that the party has faced difficulties in the past couple of years, which is reflected in the polls. Ms. Sturgeon mentioned that she will support candidates as needed for the upcoming election. She also stated that she will campaign from time to time. When asked if she will campaign alongside Mr. Swinney, she mentioned that he will have his own campaign program. Former party treasurer Colin Beattie was also arrested and released pending further investigation. A survey showed Labour ahead of the SNP in the polls. Ms. Sturgeon emphasized that it's not up to her to decide if she is an asset to her party. There was pressure on Mr. Swinney regarding his stance on a recommended suspension for MSP Michael Matheson over an expenses issue. Mr. Matheson tried to cover an £11,000 data roaming bill on his parliamentary iPad during a family holiday. The motion for suspension might not pass, as the Scottish Greens are not expected to support it. Mr. Greer criticized the SNP for prioritizing personal relationships over Parliament's integrity, calling it unacceptable.