Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the Scottish National Party (SNP) exhibited unhelpful and obstructive behavior during the police investigation into the party’s finances. Sources close to the inquiry claim that detectives faced delays and resistance when attempting to obtain crucial documents, leading to the necessity of seeking warrants. This comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the party following the embezzlement scandal involving its former chief executive, Peter Murrell.
Investigation into SNP Finances
The investigation, codenamed Operation Branchform, was initiated in 2021 after concerns were raised by independence supporters regarding missing party funds. The inquiry culminated in Peter Murrell, the ex-chief executive of the SNP and husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, admitting to embezzling over £400,000 from the party’s accounts between 2010 and 2022. Murrell was subsequently sentenced in June to five years and three months in prison for the crime.
Despite the conviction and the ongoing public interest, current First Minister John Swinney has consistently rejected calls for a separate internal inquiry into the matter. Swinney has maintained that such an inquiry is unnecessary, citing the thoroughness of the police’s ‘forensic’ investigation. He has also characterized the SNP as a victim in the embezzlement case.
Claims of Obstruction During Police Probe
Contrary to the party’s public statements of full cooperation, an insider with knowledge of the police investigation described the SNP’s actions as anything but cooperative. The source alleged that the party actively placed obstacles in the path of detectives at various stages, contributing significantly to the protracted timeline of the investigation.
“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 told the Sunday Telegraph. “Even as the police made progress on the case, they [the SNP] continued to make things difficult by being not just unhelpful, but obstructive.”
The insider further detailed instances of reluctance and procrastination when police teams sought additional information and documentation to pursue lines of inquiry. “When the team tried to pursue lines of inquiry, for example, seeking further information and documentation, there was reluctance and procrastination. Warrants were sought. They were very non-co-operative for people who say they are the victims in this case,” the source added.
Nicola Sturgeon’s Involvement and Statement
The investigation also involved former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Police had reportedly considered re-interviewing Ms. Sturgeon following her arrest in 2023 and submission of a written statement. However, this plan was reportedly abandoned after discussions with the Crown Office. Last year, police confirmed that Ms. Sturgeon would not face further action in connection with the case.
While the SNP had pledged to make public the detailed statement Ms. Sturgeon provided to Police Scotland after her initial ‘no comment’ interview, her lawyer, Aamer Anwar, indicated earlier this month that the document would not be released. Mr. Anwar stated that the statement was provided solely to assist Police Scotland’s inquiries and was not intended for public consumption by those who might seek to scrutinize the investigation’s robustness.
Financial Cost of the Investigation
The extensive police investigation into the SNP’s finances has incurred significant costs. Recent reports indicate that the combined expenditure by prosecutors and Police Scotland on Operation Branchform has reached approximately £3.4 million. Data from the Crown Office shows its spending on the probe has exceeded £1 million, an increase from previous estimates. This figure, when added to Police Scotland’s costs, brings the total outlay to around £3.4 million for the investigation, which has been ongoing for several years.
SNP Response
In response to the allegations and the broader context of the investigation, an SNP spokesperson stated that Police Scotland conducted a comprehensive examination of all relevant aspects. The spokesperson emphasized that the police uncovered evidence of embezzlement by the former chief executive. “A comprehensive investigation was carried out by Police Scotland in which every relevant aspect was thoroughly examined,” the spokesperson said. “Over the course of those enquiries, Police Scotland uncovered that the SNP had been the victim of embezzlement by its former chief executive.”
Conclusion
The accusations of obstruction add another layer of complexity to the ongoing scrutiny of the SNP’s financial dealings. While the party maintains its victim status and highlights the thoroughness of the police investigation, claims from within the inquiry suggest a more challenging and resistant process. The substantial cost of the investigation further underscores the gravity and length of the inquiry into the party’s finances and the embezzlement scandal.
