Allegations have surfaced suggesting the Scottish National Party (SNP) acted in an obstructive manner during the police investigation into the party’s finances. Sources close to the inquiry claim that detectives encountered delays and a reluctance to provide necessary information, leading them to seek warrants for specific documents. This alleged lack of cooperation reportedly extended the duration of the investigation.
Investigation into SNP Finances
The probe, known as Operation Branchform, was initiated in 2021 following a complaint from independence supporters regarding missing funds within the SNP. The investigation intensified following the arrest of Peter Murrell, the party’s former chief executive and husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, in connection with the embezzlement of over £400,000 from party accounts between 2010 and 2022. Murrell pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to five years and three months in prison in June.
Despite the party’s public statements of full cooperation, an insider speaking to the Sunday Telegraph described the situation as the opposite. “Fully co-operated? It was anything but. Nothing could be further from the truth,” the source stated. “At each and every turn they obstructed it, and put up obstacles. That is one of the reasons the investigation took so long.” The source further alleged that even as police made progress, the SNP continued to create difficulties through “reluctance and procrastination” when asked for further information and documentation, necessitating the pursuit of warrants.
Re-interview of Nicola Sturgeon
It was also revealed that plans to re-interview Nicola Sturgeon were considered. Following her arrest in 2023, Ms. Sturgeon provided a written statement to Police Scotland. While initially arrested, she was later released without further action. The insider indicated that the decision to re-interview her was ultimately dropped after consultations with the Crown Office. Despite earlier pledges to release her statement, her lawyer, Aamer Anwar, recently stated that the document would not be made public, asserting it was provided to assist Police Scotland’s inquiries rather than for public consumption by those who might second-guess the investigation.
Cost of the Investigation
The investigation into the SNP’s finances has incurred significant costs. Recent figures indicate that the combined expenditure by Police Scotland and the Crown Office on Operation Branchform has reached approximately £3.4 million. The Crown Office alone has spent over £1 million on the probe, an increase from previous estimates. These figures highlight the extensive resources dedicated to uncovering the details of the financial irregularities within the party.
SNP’s Stance and Response
First Minister John Swinney has consistently defended the party’s position, stating that there is no necessity for a separate internal inquiry, given the thoroughness of the police investigation. He has characterized the SNP as a victim in the embezzlement case. Responding to the allegations of obstruction, an SNP spokesperson stated, “A comprehensive investigation was carried out by Police Scotland in which every relevant aspect was thoroughly examined. Over the course of those enquiries, Police Scotland uncovered that the SNP had been the victim of embezzlement by its former chief executive.” This statement reiterates the party’s view that they were the wronged party and that the police investigation fully addressed the matter.
Context of the Embezzlement
The embezzlement by Peter Murrell involved the misappropriation of over £400,000 from the SNP’s funds over a period of 12 years. The funds were allegedly taken while Murrell held his position as chief executive. His conviction and subsequent sentencing mark a significant development in the case, bringing a legal conclusion to the criminal aspect of the financial scandal. The ongoing scrutiny of the SNP’s internal processes and financial management continues, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
The allegations of obstruction during the police investigation into the SNP’s finances present a complex picture. While police sources suggest a lack of cooperation hindered the inquiry, the SNP maintains its victim status and highlights the thoroughness of the police’s work. The substantial cost of the investigation and the legal consequences for Peter Murrell underscore the seriousness of the matter. The situation continues to be a focal point for political debate and public interest in Scotland.
