Sturgeon Cleared in SNP Financial Investigation

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been cleared of any charges following a police investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances, known as Operation Branchform. Sturgeon expressed relief at the outcome, as police confirmed that both she and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie are no longer under investigation. This development follows her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, appearing in court on embezzlement charges related to the same probe. Sturgeon, a significant figure in the independence movement and Scotland's longest-serving first minister, announced her resignation in early 2023 and plans to step down as a lawmaker next year. Despite her leadership successes, she faced challenges in securing another independence referendum, and the SNP has struggled with declining support amid the financial scandal.