Nicola Sturgeon refuses to release police statement in SNP finance probe

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, represented by lawyer Aamer Anwar, announced that her written statement and police interview given to Police Scotland as part of Operation Branchform will not be made public. Anwar argued that the “gold‑plated” investigation cleared Sturgeon, noting she was never charged, prosecuted or convicted, and therefore has no duty to prove her innocence to the media.

Sturgeon was arrested and questioned in June 2023 after her estranged husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was sentenced to five years and three months for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. She has consistently denied any knowledge of Murrell’s wrongdoing. Critics from the Scottish Conservatives and Labour have called for greater transparency and an independent inquiry, pointing to her earlier suggestion that she would publish the statement if asked.

The decision has intensified debate over the SNP’s financial governance and the level of openness expected from public figures in Scotland.