Police Scotland has confirmed that Nicola Sturgeon is no longer under investigation as part of the Operation Branchform probe into alleged mishandling of Scottish National Party funds. The former first minister was arrested in June 2023 but has not been charged and is now cleared of any wrongdoing.
Sturgeon said she was "completely in the clear" and expressed relief after almost two years of investigation. "I have done nothing wrong, so I was confident of reaching this point but obviously it is a relief now to have that confirmed," she told reporters outside her home.
The development comes as her former husband, Peter Murrell, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a single charge of embezzlement. Murrell, who served as SNP chief executive for 22 years, made no plea during the routine hearing. He was arrested in April 2023 and later charged with embezzlement in April 2024.
Former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, 73, who was also arrested in 2023, has likewise been cleared. Beattie said he was "very relieved" and intends to stand for parliament again next year.
Operation Branchform has investigated allegations that up to £650,000 of SNP funds were handled fraudulently. Police searches included raids on Sturgeon's home and the party's headquarters, as well as the seizure of a luxury motorhome. Sturgeon, who is divorcing Murrell, has announced she will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year.
