Nicola Sturgeon declares Operation Branchform investigation in application to be SNP candidate

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister, has declared her involvement in the ongoing Operation Branchform investigation as part of her application to be an SNP candidate for the 2026 Holyrood election. The vetting forms issued by party leaders included a question regarding any ongoing criminal inquiries involving the applicants. An SNP spokesperson confirmed that this has been a standard procedure in the party’s application forms for over a decade.

Operation Branchform, initiated by Police Scotland in 2021, is focusing on the use of donations amounting to over £600,000 by the party for purposes other than the intended fight for a second independence referendum. Sturgeon, along with two other senior party members, was arrested and questioned last year in connection with this investigation. However, she was released without charge pending further inquiries.

A party insider expressed concerns over Sturgeon’s candidacy, indicating that individuals undergoing serious criminal investigations, especially those with connections to the embezzlement of party funds, should not be considered for candidacy. Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells labelled Sturgeon’s declaration as a significant embarrassment, highlighting the unusual circumstance of a former First Minister acknowledging an ongoing police investigation against them.

Sturgeon, despite these challenges, has consistently refuted any allegations of misconduct. The unfolding developments in Sturgeon’s application process have drawn attention and stirred debate within political circles, adding a layer of complexity to the upcoming election season in Scotland.

In summary, Nicola Sturgeon’s declaration of being under police investigation as part of her SNP candidacy application for the 2026 Holyrood election has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the political landscape, as the former First Minister navigates through the scrutiny and challenges accompanying her bid for candidacy.