Nicola Sturgeon's police raid was grotesque, says former SNP political strategist

Murray Foote, former SNP media chief, criticized the fraud investigation. Photo: stv/bbc

A former head of public affairs for the SNP said the investigation into party finances could be «chasing wild goose»; and called the police raid on Nicola Sturgeon's house a «grotesque circus».

Murray Foote, who stepped down as head of public relations for the SNP in Holyrood in March, said he was «willing to bet» no charges would be filed in the fraud investigation that has swept the party.

Husband Mrs. Sturgeon, Peter Murrell, was arrested last month and the Glasgow house he shares with the former First Minister was extensively searched for two days, and a forensic-style tent was set up on their front lawn. medical expertise. The Edinburgh headquarters of the SNP was also raided and Colin Beatty, who was party treasurer, was later arrested.

Mr Foote wrote in The Daily Record that it is «worth considering» whether Operation Branchform — the Scottish police investigation — was a «wild goose chase» as he compared it to the failed Rangers prosecution.

“The actions of the authorities have previous high-profile investigations that turned into a scandal,” he wrote. “If in this case they clearly underestimated, then the reputational costs will be much more significant than the money spent on labor.

“By the way, I am not criticizing the investigation itself. If the police receive a complaint, they are obligated to investigate.

«What is rather disturbing is the extraordinary manner in which Operation Branchform was carried out.

"The use of forensic tents and a whole platoon of workers in the house turned routine into a grotesque circus exacerbated by the assault on SNP headquarters.»

Police outside Nicola Sturgeon's house in Glasgow, April. Colin D Fisher

Mr. Foote said he had no inside information about the investigation and admitted that he could still be proven right.

But he defended Mr. Murrell and Mr. Beatty, who were released by the police without charge. pending further investigations.

Mr Foote resigned as head of SNP public relations in March after he published false denials of reports that the party had lost 30,000 members.

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The scandal then led to the ouster of Mr. Murrell, who resigned as chief executive of the SNP the following day, taking the blame for the membership fiasco.

Mr. Foote said: “In the person of Peter Murrell and Colin Beatty are two lesser criminals that you will have a hard time meeting. First, Peter's fidelity to his wife is beyond doubt.

“First Minister Sturgeon and her husband lived under crushing scrutiny. It's inconceivable to me that Peter would even consider doing something sneaky without it reflecting back and endangering his wife.

“Colin is no fool. He is a capable, cautious and diligent MSP who values ​​his integrity. So I'm willing to bet £5 Foot for free at the end of it all. together in a very deep hole.

'Cruel Hands'

Last week, Noel Dolan, Ms. Sturgeon's former NPC special adviser, blamed the police for her raid on her home.< /p>

Dozens of officers were seen moving in and out of the property, even searching the couple's trash cans, barbecue and garden shed.

Images have been linked to SNP support, and Humza Yusuf, the new first minister, is plummeting according to polls .

Mr. Dolan said: “I think the behavior of the police in using the tents outside and breaking into the home of the former First Minister was very harsh. It was completely over the top.”

Jackie Bailey, Scottish Labor deputy leader, said: “The SNP continues to use ex-employees to try to discredit this police investigation, but they never offer an explanation. about how the ruling party in Scotland was allowed to become so corrupt. #34;, adding: «It is standard practice for any case involving politicians to be handled by the public prosecutor without the involvement of law enforcement officials.»

A spokesman for the Scottish Police said: & #34;As the investigation is ongoing, we cannot give additional comments"