The re-arrest of Peter Murrell, the husband of Nicola Sturgeon and former SNP chief executive, has once again brought attention to the police investigation surrounding the party’s funding and finances. This latest development comes more than a year after Mr. Murrell was first arrested and subsequently released without charge. The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, has been ongoing since July 2021 and has already led to the arrest and release of other key figures within the SNP, including ex-party treasurer MSP Colin Beattie and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon herself.
The recent re-arrest of Peter Murrell was confirmed by Police Scotland in a statement released on Thursday. The statement emphasized the active nature of the investigation under the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and warned the public to exercise caution when discussing the matter on social media. As the investigation is ongoing, further details have not been disclosed at this time, leaving many questions unanswered about the specific nature of the allegations and evidence being examined.
Concerns Over Misuse of Funds
The focus of the police inquiry revolves around the spending of approximately £600,000 raised by SNP supporters for the purpose of Scottish independence campaigning. There have been allegations that the ringfenced funds were improperly used for other purposes, raising concerns about financial transparency and accountability within the party. The prolonged nature of the investigation, spanning over three years, reflects the complexity and scope of the allegations being investigated.
Resignation and Fallout Within the SNP
Peter Murrell’s resignation as SNP chief executive in March 2023 marked the end of a more than 20-year tenure in the role. His departure coincided with a challenging period for the party, including a significant drop in SNP membership numbers since 2021. The handling of media responses regarding the membership decline was acknowledged by Mr. Murrell, who took responsibility for any unintended misinformation that may have resulted from the communication.
The re-arrest of Peter Murrell has prompted strong reactions from political figures across party lines. Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy described the development as “extremely serious” and emphasized the importance of full cooperation from all current and former SNP staff and politicians. Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie echoed this sentiment, expressing deep concern over the ongoing investigation and its implications for the SNP.
The re-arrest of Peter Murrell amidst the ongoing police investigation into the SNP’s funding and finances raises significant questions about financial accountability, transparency, and the broader implications for the party and its leadership. As the inquiry continues to unfold, the public and political stakeholders alike are left waiting for more clarity and resolution regarding the allegations at hand.
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