Sturgeon Says She Is Living a Sentence for Crime She Never Committed

Scotland's former first minister told the BBC she feels punished despite no conviction, as the SNP embezzlement scandal continues to cast a shadow over her public life.

Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC she is 'serving a sentence for a crime I didn't commit' in relation to the SNP finance scandal.
The former Scottish first minister struggled to hold back tears at points during the interview.
Sturgeon has not been charged with any offence in connection with the investigation.
Her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was charged with embezzlement of party funds.
The interview marks one of Sturgeon's most candid public statements since the scandal broke.

Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC on Tuesday that she is “serving a sentence for a crime I didn't commit,” as she faced sustained questioning over the embezzlement scandal that has engulfed the Scottish National Party.

The former Scottish first minister, who resigned in 2023, fought back tears at several points during the broadcast interview — one of the most emotionally charged public appearances she has made since the affair became public.

Sturgeon has not been charged with any offence. Her husband and former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was charged with embezzlement of party funds. He has denied the charge.

The scandal has hollowed out the SNP's senior leadership and triggered a police investigation, Operation Branchform, that has run for more than two years.

Sturgeon told the BBC the reputational damage she has suffered amounts to punishment without conviction, a claim her critics have disputed.

The interview drew immediate reaction from Scottish political figures across party lines, with opposition MSPs calling for full transparency from the SNP on the party's finances.

Operation Branchform remains active. Crown Office prosecutors are expected to make further decisions on the case in the coming months.