Sturgeon knows ‘nothing more’ about police investigation 18 months on from arrest

Nicola Sturgeon has said she knows “nothing more” about the police investigation into the SNP’s finances than she did when she was arrested 18 months ago.  

The former first minister said she is getting on with life “as best I can at the moment” as Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform remains ongoing.  

She was arrested and questioned by police in June last year and was released without charge.  

It followed the arrests of her husband and then chief executive of the party Peter Murrell and the SNP’s then treasurer Colin Beattie. At the time both were released without charge. 

However, in April this year Murrell was charged in connection with alleged embezzlement of party funds.  

After her release by police in June of last year, Sturgeon said it was “beyond doubt” she was “innocent of any wrongdoing”.  

That is a stance she has strongly maintained since making that statement.  

Asked by the Press Association if she had heard anything further regarding the investigation, Sturgeon said: “I have nothing to add. Nothing to offer you on that. 

“I know nothing more than I did back then and I can’t comment on it anyway. 

“I am just getting on with my life as best I can at the moment.” 

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “On August 9 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and we await their direction on what further action should be taken.” 

Sturgeon has recently submitted nomination papers to be considered for selection at the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026 ahead of the SNP’s deadline.  

The former first minister said: “I’ve submitted the papers, so as things stand, I’m not planning to go anywhere. 

“But I have not taken a final decision. I will take a final decision on that in due course.”