Navigating Change: The SNP's Path After Sturgeon's Departure and Ongoing Legal Challenges

In a pivotal moment for the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon expresses relief at no longer being the focus of a police investigation linked to Operation Branchform, a shadow that has loomed over her and the party for years. As Sturgeon steps away from the political scene, alongside her husband Peter Murrell, who faces serious embezzlement charges, the SNP grapples with the repercussions of their leadership’s tumultuous past.

Sturgeon’s resignation in February 2023 marked a challenging transition for new leader Humza Yousaf, who found himself regularly confronted by ongoing investigations that hindered his ability to establish a firm leadership presence. The intrusive media attention, including police activity outside the former couple’s residence, catalyzed a perception crisis for the party, contributing to their significant electoral losses in 2024.

With the recent appointment of John Swinney, the SNP is now presented with an opportunity for renewal. Swinney, who enjoyed a close political alliance with Sturgeon, aims to reshape the party’s narrative and identity away from the controversies of the past. Early indications reveal positive shifts in polls as he seeks to define the SNP’s platform independently of the legal issues that plagued Yousaf’s tenure.

The road ahead isn’t without its challenges, particularly concerning the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Murrell, which could extend into the lead-up to the 2026 Scottish election. As the party strives to solidify its position and recover from the damage incurred, its future direction hinges on Swinney’s leadership and the ability to distance itself from the legacy of Operation Branchform.

In the midst of this upheaval, Sturgeon begins a new chapter in her life, announcing her memoirs while being freed from the immediate demands of the investigation. However, the potential inclusion of her as a witness in her husband’s trial adds complexity to her situation. The SNP has historically demonstrated its ability to reinvent itself, and the upcoming years will be crucial for determining whether it can remain a formidable political force in Scotland.