Nicola Sturgeon’s Leadership Excluded Ministers During COVID Crisis

This assertion was made by Rhona Arthur from the Scottish Covid Bereaved Group

View Image

Scots who lost loved ones during the pandemic have expressed their approval for the critical report on the handling of COVID-19.

Baroness Hallett’s report highlighted disarray within the UK Government and a negligence towards COVID-19 that resulted in 23,000 deaths during the initial outbreak.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson has been described as overseeing a “toxic” atmosphere in Number 10, whereas Nicola Sturgeon has faced accusations of marginalizing her SNP colleagues.

Maggie Waterton of the Scottish Covid Bereaved Group stated in London:

“I lost both my mother and my husband to COVID-19 within six months of each other. I am deeply grateful to Lady Hallett and the inquiry team for their comprehensive, meticulous report. It can be succinctly summarized by Lady Hallett’s words: ‘too little, too late’.

“The inactivity of both the UK and Scottish Governments contributed to the loss of lives.”

READ MORE: Criticisms mount against Nicola Sturgeon’s government in light of Covid Inquiry findings
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson’s ineffective COVID-19 collaboration highlighted

Rhona Arthur of the same group remarked: “It’s exactly five and a half years since my mother passed away on my birthday. I am very satisfied with the report. It is clear, thorough, and its recommendations are comprehensive.”

While Sturgeon’s leadership received some praise in the report, Arthur commented on the former first minister’s leadership approach:

“It is important to consider the latter part of that statement, which is that her approach often left out a broad spectrum of ministers.”

When questioned if Sturgeon’s leadership style could have contributed to fatalities, Arthur stated: “That might indeed be the case, but tracing a direct line back to that would be incredibly challenging.”

Following the publication of the report, Sturgeon responded, “My role during the pandemic was not the most challenging in the country, but guiding Scotland through Covid was undoubtedly the most difficult period of my tenure as First Minister. Five years later, I still reflect daily on the effects of the decisions I made.

“Given the unprecedented and uncertain circumstances we faced, it was inevitable that mistakes were made, and I acknowledge my part in those. I will forever bear a profound sense of responsibility. My thoughts continually go out to those who lost loved ones during this dreadful period and to everyone who suffered due to the Covid virus.”

“The Inquiry concludes that restrictions should have been implemented earlier. Although with the benefit of hindsight, I concur with this evaluation and expressed as much during my testimony to the Inquiry.

“However, I also value the Inquiry’s recognition that the Scottish Government’s cautious approach to easing restrictions and its specific measures in Autumn 2020 prevented a second nationwide lockdown at that time.

“The Inquiry, while describing me as ‘a serious and diligent leader’, suggested that decision-making within the Scottish Government might have been too centralized. Although all my ministers and relevant officials were involved in decision-making, I chose to lead decisively from the beginning and made it clear that I was ultimately responsible. I stand by that decision.”