Nicola Sturgeon, former first minister of Scotland, has been cleared in a police investigation into the Scottish National Party's (SNP) finances. She and former party treasurer Colin Beattie were arrested in 2023 but are no longer under investigation, according to Police Scotland. The probe, named Operation Branchform, also involves Sturgeon's estranged husband, Peter Murrell, who faces embezzlement charges and has appeared in court. Sturgeon and Murrell's separation comes amid the unfolding investigation, highlighting significant strife within the SNP leadership and its financial management.
Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal inquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded.
Mr Murrell appeared at a private petition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday. He made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination and bailed.
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