Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed her participation in the upcoming General Election campaign for the Scottish National Party (SNP). Despite an ongoing police investigation into the party’s finances, known as Operation Branchform, Ms. Sturgeon intends to support candidates where necessary ahead of the July 4 vote. This probe, involving her husband Peter Murrell and former party treasurer Colin Beattie, is investigating the alleged embezzlement of £600,000 of SNP funds. Both Murrell and Beattie were arrested and released without charges, and the investigation continues.

At a Holyrood press event, Sturgeon mentioned she would campaign “from time to time,” adding that she won’t necessarily campaign alongside new First Minister Humza Yousaf, citing that he will have his campaign program. Sturgeon’s involvement in the campaign comes amid her recent testimony regarding the delayed A9 dual-carriageway project, originally set for completion in 2025 but now pushed to 2035 due to various challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints.

Recent polling suggests potential losses for the SNP, with Labour possibly gaining significant ground in Scotland. The police examination of SNP finances and the resultant public scrutiny have heightened the stakes for the party’s performance in the coming election.