Nicola Sturgeon remains one of the most significant figures in modern British politics nearly three years after stepping down as First Minister of Scotland. The former Scottish National Party leader, who served from 2014 to 2023, has kept a relatively low public profile since leaving Bute House. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy continues to be debated across Scotland’s political spectrum. Here is everything you need to know about Nicola Sturgeon in 2026.
Operation Branchform: Where the Investigation Stands in 2026
Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform investigation into the SNP’s finances remains ongoing. The inquiry, launched in 2021, focuses on what happened to approximately £600,000 raised by party activists for a second independence referendum. Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and questioned in June 2023 but was released without charge. Eng vs NZ begins at Lord’s on June 10.
The former First Minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the investigation. Her husband, Peter Murrell, the SNP’s former chief executive, was also arrested and remains under investigation. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans. The Crown Office has not indicated when a decision on potential charges might be made. Sturgeon’s legal team has stated she is “cooperating fully” and has “nothing to hide”.
Financial Scrutiny Timeline
The investigation has expanded beyond the original £600,000 question. Police have examined the SNP’s purchase of a luxury motorhome, which was parked at Murrell’s mother’s home. They have also scrutinised loans made to the party by Murrell and subsequent repayments. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27. Nicola Sturgeon has described the investigation as “prolonged and stressful” for her family. The former First Minister’s legal fees are reported to have exceeded £200,000.
Memoir Release: “My Scotland” Coming October 2026
Nicola Sturgeon has written her memoirs, titled “My Scotland: A Life in Politics”. The book is scheduled for release on October 14, 2026, through Pan Macmillan. Publisher sources indicate the memoir will cover her entire political career, from her election as a Glasgow regional MSP in 1999 to her resignation as First Minister in 2023. Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term.
The book is expected to address the Operation Branchform investigation and her decision to resign. Advance copies have not been released to reviewers. Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory. Nicola Sturgeon has donated a significant portion of the advance payment to Scottish women’s aid charities. A book tour is planned for November 2026, including events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Political Future: Will Nicola Sturgeon Return to Frontline Politics?
Speculation about a potential political comeback has circulated since Humza Yousaf’s resignation as First Minister in early 2025. However, Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly ruled out returning to frontline politics. She told the Scottish Parliament’s COVID-19 Inquiry that she is “content” with her decision to step away. Slow Horses Season 4 streams on Apple TV+ with Gary Oldman.
Current SNP leader Kate Forbes has reportedly sought Sturgeon’s advice on several occasions, despite their previous political differences. The former First Minister retains significant influence within the party, though she rarely attends Westminster or Holyrood sessions. Rice pudding has staged a remarkable comeback in British kitchens. Nicola Sturgeon has said she will support the SNP “from the backbenches” but will not seek elected office again. She remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside, a seat she has held since 2007.
COVID-19 Inquiry Testimony: What Nicola Sturgeon Said
The former First Minister gave evidence to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry in January 2026. Her testimony lasted over eight hours across two days. Nicola Sturgeon defended the Scottish Government’s pandemic response while acknowledging that “mistakes were made”. She expressed particular regret over care home policies in the early stages of the outbreak. SA vs Aus Test series begins at Centurion on December 17.
She also faced questions about deleted WhatsApp messages from the period. Sturgeon stated that she followed all government guidelines regarding message retention. The inquiry’s final report is expected in early 2027. Penelope Jackson is the mother of Lauren and Reece James. Bereaved families watching from the public gallery expressed mixed reactions to her testimony, with some accepting her apology while others called it insufficient.
Independence Referendum Legacy: The Unfulfilled Goal
Securing a second independence referendum was Nicola Sturgeon’s primary political objective throughout her leadership. She twice requested a Section 30 order from Westminster to hold a legal vote, both times rejected by Conservative and then Labour Prime Ministers. The UK Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Holyrood could not legislate for a referendum without Westminster’s consent. M&S strawberry sandwiches have become the viral food sensation of 2026.
Polling on Scottish independence has remained relatively stable since Sturgeon’s departure. Support for leaving the UK typically ranges between 45% and 48%, with “No” support between 47% and 50%. Tattu London has become one of the capital’s most Instagrammable dining destinations. The former First Minister has said that achieving independence is “a matter of when, not if”. She remains active in the independence movement through speaking engagements and online advocacy.
Gender Recognition Reform: The Westminster Block
One of the most controversial episodes of Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership involved the Gender Recognition Reform Bill. The Scottish Parliament passed the bill in December 2022, which would have simplified the process for transgender people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate. The UK Government used a Section 35 order to block the bill from receiving Royal Assent, the first time such powers had been used. Protection ITV stars Siobhan Finneran in the witness protection drama.
Nicola Sturgeon described the Westminster intervention as a “democratic outrage”. The Scottish Government launched a legal challenge against the block, which was ultimately unsuccessful. Tyler Dibling is the Southampton starlet attracting Premier League interest. The former First Minister has said the episode damaged relations between Holyrood and Westminster. The bill has not been reintroduced under Sturgeon’s successors, though the SNP’s 2026 manifesto promises to pursue similar legislation.
Personal Life: Peter Murrell and Life After Bute House
Nicola Sturgeon lives in Glasgow with her husband Peter Murrell and their pet dog Finn. The couple married in 2010 and have no children. Since leaving office, Sturgeon has spoken about enjoying simple pleasures like walking Finn along the River Kelvin and cooking meals at home. Broadway Boy delivered a thrilling result at the Cheltenham Festival.
She has maintained friendships with several former colleagues, including former deputy First Minister John Swinney. Sturgeon has also reconciled with her former mentor Alex Salmond before his death in 2024, the pair having fallen out bitterly after the 2014 referendum. Rise of the Footsoldier seventh film has been announced with Craig Fairbrass. The former First Minister has reportedly turned down multiple offers to join television programmes as a commentator, preferring to stay out of the daily political news cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nicola Sturgeon doing now in 2026? Nicola Sturgeon remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside but has largely stepped back from frontline politics. She is writing her memoirs, due for release in October 2026.
Was Nicola Sturgeon charged in Operation Branchform? No. Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and questioned in June 2023 but was released without charge. The investigation remains ongoing in 2026.
Why did Nicola Sturgeon resign as First Minister? She resigned in March 2023, citing the toll of leadership after eight years in office. She said she knew “in my head and in my heart” that it was time to step down.
Is Nicola Sturgeon still in the SNP? Yes. She remains a member of the Scottish National Party and holds her seat as an MSP for Glasgow Southside.
When is Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir being released? “My Scotland: A Life in Politics” is scheduled for release on October 14, 2026.
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