Nicola Sturgeon’s relief at no longer being under police investigation is shared by many in the SNP, as the party looks to recover from a tumultuous period that significantly impacted its performance in the 2024 general election. While Sturgeon is ready to move on, the SNP faces the challenge of rebuilding its political standing and redefining its identity.
Operation Branchform, a four-year investigation into SNP finances, has been a major source of disruption. The probe, which led to the arrests of Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell, the party’s former chief executive, dominated headlines and overshadowed Humza Yousaf’s leadership. The now-iconic image of a blue police tent outside Sturgeon and Murrell’s home, along with officers removing boxes from SNP headquarters, became symbols of the party’s struggles.
Under the leadership of John Swinney, the SNP is now seeking a fresh start. Swinney, a close ally of Sturgeon, has begun to stabilize the party’s position in the polls, benefiting from Labour’s challenges in Westminster and the reduced focus on Operation Branchform. With Sturgeon stepping down from Holyrood and no longer a candidate, Swinney has an opportunity to reframe the party’s narrative and focus on the 2026 Scottish election.
However, the legal case against Murrell, who faces charges of embezzlement, remains a significant obstacle. The allegations against the party’s former chief executive are serious, and the legal process could extend for months or even years, potentially complicating the SNP’s efforts to move forward. Sturgeon, though no longer under investigation, may still be affected, particularly if she is called as a witness in Murrell’s trial.
The SNP has a history of reinvention, from Alex Salmond’s budget deals with the Tories to Sturgeon’s alliance with the Greens. Swinney now faces the task of crafting a post-Sturgeon identity for the party, one that can reconnect with voters and retain power in Holyrood.
For Sturgeon, the end of the investigation marks a new chapter, with her memoirs set for publication and a life beyond politics on the horizon. But for the SNP, the shadow of Operation Branchform may linger as the party works to rebuild and regain its footing in Scottish politics.
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