Sturgeon Reflects on Cleared SNP Probe Before Parliament Exit

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's former first minister, reflected on the challenges of a police investigation into her party's finances as she prepares to step down from the Scottish Parliament this week after 27 years of service. In an interview marking the end of her tenure as a member of the Scottish Parliament representing Glasgow's southside, Sturgeon described the ordeal as having ultimately strengthened her resolve and brought unexpected personal growth.

The investigation, known as Operation Branchform, examined how the Scottish National Party spent around 600,000 pounds raised for a second independence referendum campaign. Sturgeon was arrested in June 2023 at her home near Glasgow but was released without charge pending further inquiries. Police Scotland later informed her in March 2025 that she would face no action, clearing her of any wrongdoing. At the time, she expressed relief outside her residence, stating, "I think it won't surprise anybody to hear me say that has not been an easy experience. So to reach this point today is obviously something I am relieved about." She added, "I have done nothing wrong, and I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had...