Peter Murrell, Pauline McLean, Chief Constable Jo Farrell, Ivan McKee, and Neil Gray
by Bill Heaney
SNP ministers have been told they must “urgently clarify” whether they will continue to shortchange Police Scotland, as it emerged staffing costs for Operation Branchform have reached over £2 million.
Newly published figures by Police Scotland show that £2,173,089 has been spent on staffing the inquiry into SNP finances, with a police overtime bill of £100,498 – up to April 30 this year.
The high costs – which come in addition to those already spent by the Crown Office – have been racked up as part of the investigation into accusations that former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell embezzled £460,000 of SNP funds over more than a decade.
Murrell, who will appear in court on Monday (May 25) for a preliminary hearing, is alleged to have used the money to buy items including cars, a motorhome, luxury goods, shoes, cosmetics, and jewellery between August 2010 and January 2023.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has previously warned about the impact of funding set out by the Scottish Government falling short of what is required for the force to maintain officer numbers.
Funding allocated by SNP ministers during the last Parliamentary session for 2026/2027 is almost £50 million below what the Chief Constable had asked for.
With the appointments of Neil Gray as Justice Secretary and Ivan McKee as Public Sector Reform Secretary, Scottish Labour has now urged the SNP government to set out whether it intends to make any cuts to Police Scotland, as part of efforts to plug a £5 billion public sector black hole.
Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “Given the dire state of the country’s finances as a result of SNP incompetence, the SNP must urgently clarify whether they intend to make any cuts to Police Scotland budgets in the years ahead.
“It cannot be the case that financial pressures are further heaped on the service as a result of the negligence of ministers, or because money has had to be spent investigating allegations of SNP fraud.
“Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill due to the actions of senior SNP figures, with our communities less safe due to any potential decline in officer numbers.
“The Chief Constable has already clearly stated the financial situation facing the force, with a significant shortfall in funding. The incoming Justice Secretary, Neil Gray, must heed this warning before it is too late.
“Ivan McKee must also urgently explain whether his role will require him to make brutal cuts to our public services, and whether this will include Police Scotland.”