Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed relief after being officially cleared of any wrongdoing in the long-running police probe into the Scottish National Party’s finances. The announcement comes as her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared in court facing embezzlement charges.
Investigation Ends Without Charges for Sturgeon and Beattie
After nearly four years of scrutiny, Police Scotland confirmed that both Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie are no longer under investigation. Neither has been charged, and authorities have closed their inquiries into the pair.
Speaking outside her Glasgow home, Sturgeon said, “For almost two years, I have had this cloud of investigation hanging over me. I think it won’t surprise anybody to hear me say that has not been an easy experience. So to reach this point today is obviously something I am relieved about.”
Beattie echoed similar sentiments, telling reporters at Holyrood, “I knew myself I had done nothing wrong, but two years is a long time to be waiting for a result.” The Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP described the ordeal as “a hard time” for his family and said he planned to celebrate with his wife.
Peter Murrell Faces Embezzlement Charges
While Sturgeon and Beattie walk away from the investigation, Murrell remains embroiled in legal troubles. The former SNP chief executive appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for a private hearing, where he was charged with embezzlement. He made no plea and was granted bail.
Murrell had previously resigned from the SNP and stepped down as the party’s chief executive in 2023 after misleading the media about membership numbers. His arrest last year marked a significant moment in the financial probe that saw police search the home he shared with Sturgeon, seize party records, and confiscate a high-end motorhome linked to SNP funds.
Political Fallout and Party Turmoil
The financial scandal has had far-reaching consequences for the SNP, impacting its electoral performance and shaking public confidence. First Minister John Swinney, Sturgeon’s former deputy, acknowledged the investigation’s toll on the party, saying it had been “very difficult.”
“I hope this provides the opportunity for both Nicola and Colin to move on from the difficulties they have faced while this investigation has been under way,” Swinney said. He also suggested that the SNP itself may have been the victim of financial mismanagement, vowing to reinforce “the highest standards of governance and financial control.”
Some within the SNP believe the drawn-out police inquiry contributed to their significant losses in last year’s UK general election. The sight of police erecting a forensic tent outside Sturgeon and Murrell’s home and officers carrying boxes out of SNP headquarters in Edinburgh left lasting political damage.
Timeline of Key Events
The investigation into SNP finances, dubbed Operation Branchform, has spanned nearly four years. Here’s a look at the major milestones:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2023 | Murrell arrested, released without charge; home searched |
| April 2023 | SNP headquarters searched, luxury motorhome confiscated |
| April 2023 | Colin Beattie arrested, released without charge |
| June 2023 | Nicola Sturgeon arrested, released without charge |
| September 2023 | Police submit findings to prosecutors for guidance |
| March 2024 | Sturgeon announces plans to step down as an MSP |
| June 2024 | Police confirm Sturgeon and Beattie no longer under investigation |
| June 2024 | Murrell charged with embezzlement, appears in court |
Sturgeon’s Future and Political Legacy
Despite being cleared, Sturgeon’s political future remains uncertain. Once a dominant force in Scottish politics, she unexpectedly resigned as first minister and SNP leader in February 2023, denying any connection to the police probe.
She has since announced she will not seek re-election as an MSP, signaling a retreat from frontline politics. Sources close to her suggest she is unlikely to seek any form of redress for the investigation, preferring instead to move on with her life.
For the SNP, the financial controversy leaves lingering questions. With Murrell now facing legal proceedings, the party must rebuild trust while navigating internal tensions. The outcome of the case against him could still have significant implications for Scotland’s ruling party.
