Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland and current MSP for Glasgow Southside, has been arrested by police as part of an investigation into the SNP’s finances. The investigation, dubbed Operation Branchform, began in 2021 and is examining allegations that £600,000 intended for campaigning towards Scottish independence was diverted elsewhere. Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, was arrested in April alongside Scottish National Party treasurer Colin Beattie. Both were released without charge but the investigation is ongoing.
Sturgeon is reported to be in police custody and is being questioned by detectives. A spokeswoman for the former first minister confirmed that she had agreed to attend an interview and be arrested as part of the investigation, adding that Sturgeon had consistently said she would cooperate with the inquiry if asked to do so.
The SNP’s governing body, the national executive committee, has previously agreed that a review of transparency and governance in the party should take place.
Sturgeon announced her resignation as first minister in February 2021, saying that she knew in her “head and heart” that the time was right to go. Her resignation was not related to the ongoing investigation; she was succeeded as SNP leader and first minister by Humza Yousaf.
As well as the searches of Sturgeon and Murrell’s home, and SNP headquarters in Edinburgh, several other properties have also been searched as part of the investigation.
The news of Sturgeon’s arrest has been widely reported and has provoked controversy on social media. Some commentators have accused police of political bias and suggested that the investigation is politically motivated. However, others have praised the police for investigating potential financial impropriety.
Sturgeon is a well-respected figure in Scottish politics and has been a leading advocate for Scottish independence for many years. Her arrest is likely to have political repercussions, coming as it does at a time of heightened political tensions in Scotland, as the pro-independence Scottish government clashes with the UK government over Brexit and other issues.
This is not the first time that senior members of the SNP have faced accusations of financial impropriety. In recent years, there have been a number of scandals that have rocked the party’s reputation, including accusations of sexual harassment against former leader Alex Salmond. Salmond was cleared of all charges in March 2020, but the allegations against him led to a bitter split in the party and a damaging war of words between Salmond and Sturgeon.
The investigation into the SNP’s finances is ongoing, and it is unclear what the ultimate outcome will be. However, it is clear that the controversy is having a damaging impact on the party’s reputation and is likely to be a major issue in Scottish politics for some time to come.
