Swinney boost as Murrell court date not likely before election

JOHN SWINNEY has been handed a boost after it emerged Peter Murrell will likely not return to court until after the 2026 Holyrood election.

- By David Walker

Operation Branchform has cast a dark shadow over the SNP since its launch in 2021 and led to the arrest — and release without charge — of former party leader Nicola Sturgeon and ex-party treasurer Colin Beattie.

It came to an end earlier this year with former SNP chief executive Mr Murrell being charged with embezzling funds from the party he ran for more than two decades.

He made his first appearance at court in March, making no plea and being bailed until his next appearance.

Mr Swinney and his predecessor as First Minister, Humza Yousaf, have had to deal with pressing questions about the probe, overshadowing campaigning and policy announcements.

But, with the uncertainty coming to an end thanks to the live court case, Mr Swinney has attempted to frame the SNP as a victim.

He has also used the legal action as an excuse to rebuff questions about the case, something that would change once it is concluded.