Nicola Sturgeon is under investigation for SNP finances
- Nicola Sturgeon has indicated knowledge of the police inquiry into SNP finances but feels she has no control over it.
- The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, continues to explore financial issues surrounding the SNP since Sturgeon's arrest in June 2023.
- Sturgeon remains focused on her post-leadership life, expressing relief at not being in her former role while maintaining her commitment to advocate for important issues.
In Scotland, the former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her frustration regarding the ongoing police investigation into the financial dealings of the Scottish National Party (SNP). This inquiry, known as Operation Branchform, has been under scrutiny since a significant development in June 2023 when Sturgeon was arrested and later released without charge. As of December 2024, Sturgeon mentioned that she knows 'nothing more' about the investigation and wished it wasn’t ongoing, acknowledging that she has no control over the situation. Sturgeon’s arrest last year, along with that of former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, triggered a wave of scrutiny regarding the party's financial matters. The inquiry has reportedly been protracted, with the police seeking guidance from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) on the next steps after delivering an advice report in September. Both police and prosecutors have expressed the need for a thorough review of the materials submitted, indicating that the legal processes involved are complex and may take considerable time to resolve. Reflecting on her time as First Minister, Sturgeon remarked that while she misses some aspects of the role and the people she worked alongside, she does not desire to return to leadership. She is focused on her life post-premiership and hopes to influence public discourse by speaking on issues she cares about. Her approach emphasizes the importance of allowing successors to govern without interference while still being an advocate for her principles and values. Despite her detachment from the official role, Sturgeon's comments highlight a deep-rooted concern within Scottish politics regarding the investigation's length and its implications for the SNP. The public has been watching this situation closely, as it encompasses critical issues of governance, accountability, and financial management within a major political party in Scotland. The lengthy nature of such investigations often raises questions about transparency and the effectiveness of political institutions, making it a topic of significant interest and debate as it continues to unfold.