Nicola Sturgeon Exonerated in SNP Financial Probe

Following an extensive investigation into financial irregularities within the SNP, Nicola Sturgeon has been officially exonerated of any involvement, while charges remain against her estranged husband, Peter Murrell.

Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland and a central figure in British politics, has been officially cleared of any allegations regarding embezzlement linked to the Scottish National Party (SNP). This development comes as the police lifted the inquiry against her that had overshadowed her career since her arrest in June 2023.

The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, was initiated to look into claims of financial misconduct within the SNP, a party advocating for Scottish independence that has held significant power for nearly two decades. The inquiry revealed charges of embezzlement against Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, who previously served as the chief executive of the party. Murrell appeared in an Edinburgh court on these charges, opting not to enter a plea.

In a turn of personal matters, Sturgeon and Murrell announced their separation earlier this year, confirming plans to dissolve their marriage. Meanwhile, the police stated that both Sturgeon and Colin Beattie—a former SNP treasurer who had also been arrested—would not face any charges and are no longer subjects of the ongoing investigation.

Although neither Sturgeon nor Beattie were named directly in the police announcement, they were referenced by their ages in keeping with standard protocol. Addressing the media outside her residence near Glasgow, Sturgeon expressed relief over the conclusion of the investigation, stating she had been informed that no further action would be taken against her.