On Sunday, a police investigation into the financials of the Scottish National Party (SNP) resulted in the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon, former Scottish first minister and third high-profile SNP figure to be arrested. Police Scotland released a statement explaining that a 52-year-old woman had been arrested “as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.” Although Sturgeon was questioned, she was subsequently released without charges. In a statement on Twitter, Sturgeon proclaimed her innocence and stated that she would return to Parliament following a brief hiatus. The police investigation, which started in July 2021 under the name “Operation Branchform,” examines allegations that the Scottish independence campaign’s £600,000 crowdfunding was diverted elsewhere. The investigation’s other two high-profile suspects, Colin Beattie and Peter Murrell, were released after questioning. However, Beattie stepped down as treasurer after being arrested. Following Sturgeon’s arrest, rival political parties commented, with Scottish Conservatives calling for her suspension, as the SNP had previously set the precedent of suspending MSPs who were under police investigation. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton predicted that the arrest’s ramifications would “have huge ramifications for Scottish politics.” Sturgeon resigned as first minister in February and announced her departure from politics.