Nicola Sturgeon refuses to discuss 'ongoing police investigation' after question over SNP finances

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Nicola Sturgeon dodged a question on a police investigation into SNP campaign funds at the conclusion of her dramatic press conference today.The First Minister had taken questions from broadcasters - but no newspapers - at Bute House after announcing her shock decision to resign from the top job in Scottish politics.But one BBC reporter shouted an additional question just moments before Sturgeon left the room.Glenn Campbell, BBC Scotland political editor, asked if she had been interviewed, or expected to be interviewed, by Police Scotland regarding a long-running investigation into SNP campaign fundraising.The First Minister responded: "I’m not going to discuss an on-going police investigation."An SNP spokesperson later said Sturgeon had not spoken with the police.SNP headquarters has been under investigation over the past 18 months after questions were raised about the fate of £500,000 cash raised in 2017 for the purposes of a future referendum campaign.Police Scotland has already interviewed several key witnesses about taking more detailed statements, raising the prospect that officers may wish to speak to Sturgeon herself.Cops launched Operation Branchform in July 2021 following anger from some activists that money raised in 2017 was spent on things other than referendum campaigning.The online fundraiser was launched by party bosses when the First Minister was pushing for an IndyRef2 - but it was postponed following the 2017 general election.The SNP has previously said the status of the inquiry was for Police Scotland to comment on.A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A report which outlines inquiries already undertaken and seeks further instruction has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal