Nicola Sturgeon claims she knows 'nothing more' about Operation Branchform probe

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted she knows "nothing more" about a long-running police investigation into SNP finances that saw her arrested 18 months ago.The former first minister was questioned by detectives and released without charge pending further inquiries in June 2023 as part Operation Branchform.Police Scotland launched the probe in July 2021 following several complaints from members of the public over how the SNP had spent donations intended to fight another independence referendum.With no conclusion to the investigation in sight, Sturgeon said she was getting on with life "as best I can at the moment".The former SNP leader, who shocked the political world when she announced her resignation in February 2023, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.She has since denied the timing of her announcement was connected to the police investigation.Sturgeon's arrest in 2023 came after detectives had already questioned her husband, the former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, and then-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie.Beattie, like the former SNP leader, was released without charge pending further investigation.But Murrell was charged by police in April this year in connection with alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.

Speaking after being released by police in June 2023, Sturgeon insisted "beyond doubt" she was "innocent of any wrongdoing".

Asked if she had heard anything further regarding the investigation, Sturgeon said: "I have nothing to add. Nothing to offer you on that. "I know nothing more than I did back then and I can't comment on it anyway.

I am just getting on with my life as best I can at the moment." A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "On August 9 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to the Crown