Nicola Sturgeon under SNP finances investigation

Scotland's Chief Constable, Jo Farrell, has confirmed that Nicola Sturgeon is still under investigation as part of a broader inquiry into the Scottish National Party's (SNP) finances. The police investigation, known as Operation Branchform, was initiated in July 2021 following complaints regarding over £600,000 in donations intended for a campaign advocating a new independence referendum. The inquiry has seen significant developments, including the arrests of Sturgeon, her husband Peter Murrell, the SNP's former chief executive, and Colin Beattie, the former party treasurer. While Sturgeon and Beattie were released pending further investigation, Murrell has faced charges related to the alleged embezzlement of party funds. Despite the ongoing nature of the investigation, Chief Constable Farrell did not provide a timeline for when Operation Branchform might conclude. The inquiry has raised questions about the financial practices within the SNP and has significant implications for the party's leadership and future. As the investigation unfolds, the political landscape in Scotland remains tense, with Sturgeon, a prominent figure in Scottish politics, facing scrutiny over her role in the party's financial dealings. The outcome of this inquiry could have lasting effects on the SNP and its pursuit of independence for Scotland.