Sturgeon knows 'nothing more' about police probe

Nicola Sturgeon says she knows "nothing more" about the police investigation into SNP finances 18 months after she was arrested and released without charge.

The former first minister, who was questioned by officers in June last year, said she wished the inquiry "wasn't there" but that she had no "control" over it.

She has vowed to co-operate fully with the authorities, and insisted she has done nothing wrong.

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, Sturgeon's husband, was charged with embezzling party funds in April.

Operation Branchform

Asked about the police investigation, codenamed Operation Branchform, the former SNP leader told BBC Scotland News: "It's not something I have any control over and I don't think it would be surprising to anybody to hear me say of course I wish it wasn't there - but it is what it is and it will take its own course.

"In the meantime I'm getting on with my life, I'm enjoying getting on with my life and there's no point in me talking about things I can't comment on anyway."

Operation Branchform has spent more than two years looking into what happened to £660,000 of donations given to the SNP by independence activists.

In September it emerged that officers had sent prosecutors details of what they had uncovered in an "advice and guidance report" and are seeking formal advice on what they should do next.

The update was understood to be about Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, who have both remained under investigation after being arrested and released without charge last year.

The the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said at the time the police report was under consideration.

Responding to Sturgeon's comments, a COPFS spokesperson said prosecutors would review submissions from the police and would make a decision on "next steps".

They added: "All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence."

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said the force was awaiting direction from COPFS "on what further action should be taken".

Sturgeon unexpectedly resigned as first minister in March 2023 after eight years in the role.

She denied her decision was influenced by the police investigation.

Asked if she missed being first minister, the ex-SNP leader told BBC Scotland News: "No I don't.

"Don't get me wrong, there are days I miss it, I miss the people I worked with. I miss aspects of the job.

"But I don't miss it in the sense of wishing I was back there – most days I'll have a moment of relief at some point that I'm not still in Bute House.

"Life is short for all of us and I'm looking forward to a new phase of life, a different phase of life, and leaving the stresses and strains of being first minister to other people."

'Stand up and fight'

Having returned to the backbenches, Sturgeon has been criticised by opponents for speaking just four times in the chamber this year - one of which was to raise an issue about her voting app not working.

The Glasgow Southside MSP told BBC Scotland News she was focusing on constituency work.

"I will speak, whether in parliament or publicly, on things I care about and where I think my voice can make a difference," she said.

"I think it is important for a former first minister not to constantly be getting in the way of those who come after them and I'll always try not to do that.

"But I'll speak up on the things I care about and the things I believe in and I'll continue to stand up and fight for the things I believe in no matter how difficult or controversial at times that can be."

Is it a surprise that Scotland's prosecution service is taking a long time to decide what to do about Operation Branchform?

The investigation began more than three years ago and presumably involves complex allegations of financial crime.

In May, after charging Peter Murrell, Police Scotland sent the Crown Office a standard prosecution report, detailing their findings.

A second report seeking "advice and guidance" in relation to Nicola Sturgeon and Colin Beattie was submitted by the force in August.

The Crown Office has been working closely with the police throughout all of this so they would have known what they were going to say.

But police investigate and prosecutors prosecute.

The Crown's team will be studying the reports line by line as they decide whether someone should be taken to court.

What happens with Branchform will be the most politically sensitive decision taken by the Crown since the prosecution of Alex Salmond but the identity of the individuals involved shouldn't make any difference.

There's either enough evidence to put a case before a jury or there's not.

No matter how frustrating it must be for all of those involved, and for the SNP, this process will take as long as it takes.