The investigation into the financial dealings of the Scottish National Party (SNP), known as Operation Branchform, has concluded after Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzlement. Murrell, the former chief executive of the party, admitted to misappropriating over £400,000 for personal use over a period of 12 years, funding a lavish lifestyle.
Operation Branchform has been a significant topic in Scottish politics, sparking debates among various political factions over the years.
Here is a timeline highlighting key events related to Operation Branchform:
MP Douglas Chapman resigned from his role as the party’s treasurer, citing a lack of necessary information for his duties. Senior party members, including Nicola Sturgeon, disputed Chapman’s claims. Additionally, Joanna Cherry, a vocal critic of the party leadership, stepped down from her position on the national executive committee.
Police in Scotland initiated an inquiry following multiple complaints regarding donations to the SNP, amid allegations of funds meant for Scottish independence campaigns being diverted. The party maintained that all funds raised for independence activities were appropriately allocated.
During the release of the party’s annual financial reports, treasurer Colin Beattie acknowledged concerns about transparency in fundraising efforts related to independence, which generated over £600,000. Although funds were earmarked through internal processes, specific amounts were not formally recorded in the accounts.
In a separate development, it was revealed that Murrell had provided a £100,000 loan to the party in June 2021 to address cash flow issues after an election that year. Sturgeon clarified that the loan was from Murrell’s personal resources.
In a surprising turn of events, Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation on February 15, stating it was the right time for her departure. She denied anticipating being interviewed as part of the investigation during a press conference at Bute House.
Amid the race for a new SNP leader, Murrell announced his resignation after a dispute over the party’s membership figures.
In April 2023, Murrell was arrested as police conducted searches at his residence and SNP headquarters. He was released without charge pending further investigations. Treasurer Colin Beattie was subsequently arrested on April 18 for questioning regarding his role in overseeing the party’s finances.
On June 11, 2023, Nicola Sturgeon was arrested in connection with Operation Branchform. She was released later that day and asserted her innocence on social media. Sturgeon also disclosed the decision to end her marriage with Peter Murrell.
Peter Murrell faced charges of embezzlement in court, with the investigations into Sturgeon and Beattie being dropped. Sturgeon expressed relief at the conclusion of the lengthy probe, stating it had been a challenging experience. Murrell admitted to embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP and is awaiting sentencing on June 23.
Following the disclosure of the charges, it was revealed that Murrell was initially accused of embezzling £459,000 over a 12-year span. Opposition parties expressed outrage after learning that John Swinney had prior knowledge of the charges against Murrell.
The Crown Office clarified that the information shared did not compromise the integrity of the investigation. Murrell has been remanded in custody pending his sentencing later in June.