Operation Branchform Update as Police Investigation into SNP Finances Continues
The police investigation into SNP finances, known as Operation Branchform, is now in its fifth year, raising concerns among party members.
SNP, Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, Scotland, Operation Branchform, Investigation
Glasgow: So, here’s the scoop. Operation Branchform kicked off back in 2021 when folks raised eyebrows about how the SNP was handling donations for indyref2. It’s been a long ride, and the investigation is still rolling on.
Senior members of the SNP are really hoping for a quick resolution. They feel this whole situation has put a damper on their party’s reputation. It’s been five years, and they just want to move forward.
Now, what’s the deal with this investigation? Well, the police are looking into around £600,000 that the SNP raised from pro-independence supporters since 2017. Activists were worried that this cash wasn’t showing up in the party’s accounts, which led to complaints and, eventually, the probe.
Things got a bit messy when former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell, who was the party’s chief executive, were arrested in 2023. They were released without charges, but it’s been a tough time for them, especially since they’ve separated.
Speaking of tough times, a luxury campervan worth about £110,000 was seized during the investigation. It was taken from a house in Fife while police were searching Sturgeon and Murrell’s home. Talk about a wild turn of events!
As for the investigation itself, Police Scotland has spent around £2 million on it. They wrapped up their inquiries last August and handed a report to the Crown Office. Now, they’re just waiting for further instructions, with eleven officers still on the case.
Sturgeon has been vocal about her innocence, saying she hasn’t done anything wrong. She’s still an MSP in Glasgow and is trying to keep her life on track despite everything going on. She mentioned that she wishes the investigation wasn’t happening but knows it’s out of her control.
Recently, former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard expressed frustration over the ongoing investigation, saying it’s been dragging on for too long and is affecting Scottish politics. He’s right; it’s time for some clarity!