Nicola Sturgeon's lawyer, Aamer Anwar, has confirmed that neither the former first minister's written statement nor her police interview from the investigation into SNP finances will be made public. The statement, given to Police Scotland as part of Operation Branchform, was intended to assist inquiries, not for public scrutiny, Anwar said.
Sturgeon's arrest and exoneration
Sturgeon was arrested in 2023 and initially gave a 'no comment' interview, later submitting a written statement. The investigation led to the conviction of her former husband, Peter Murrell, who was jailed for over five years in June for embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP. Sturgeon has maintained her innocence, stating she was 'deceived, misled and betrayed' by Murrell.
In a statement released Monday, Anwar emphasized that Sturgeon was not charged, prosecuted, or convicted, asserting her innocence. 'Having been exonerated through the proper process, there is no onus on her to now prove her innocence in the court of media opinion,' he said.
Political backlash
Opponents have criticized the decision, pointing to Sturgeon's previous comments that she would not oppose releasing her statement. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie questioned the change in stance, asking, 'If Nicola Sturgeon has nothing to hide, then why is she so opposed to her statement being published?'
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton accused Sturgeon of lacking transparency, noting that her written statement left many questions unanswered. 'This blows apart any pretence that Nicola Sturgeon is prepared to be transparent about this SNP scandal,' Hamilton said.
