Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will not release the written statement she provided to police investigating the Scottish National Party’s finances, her lawyer confirmed Monday. Aamer Anwar, Sturgeon's legal representative, stated that neither the written statement nor her police interview will be published.
This decision comes despite suggestions that Sturgeon should release the statement to address ongoing speculation regarding her knowledge of party fund mismanagement. The probe into the SNP’s finances led to the conviction of Sturgeon’s estranged husband and former party leader, Peter Murrell, who was sentenced to five years and three months for embezzling over £400,000.
Anwar asserted that Sturgeon is innocent, citing her lack of charges, prosecution, or conviction as evidence. He added that her statement was provided to assist Police Scotland with their inquiries and not for public consumption or media judgment. He further stated there was no obligation for her to prove her innocence in the "court of media opinion."
Reports indicate that Police Scotland and the Crown Office had no objections to Sturgeon publishing her statement. However, details emerged last month that Sturgeon initially gave a "no comment" interview to police. She subsequently provided a written statement that reportedly did not address all of the officers' questions, leaving them with further inquiries.
Sturgeon has maintained that she fully cooperated with the police investigation. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie expressed that outstanding questions about the SNP scandal and Sturgeon's role require answers, suggesting the matter will not simply fade away.