Sturgeon Claims UK Covid Inquiry Has Copies of Her Messages Amid Deletion Controversy

Former Scottish First Minister faces criticism for alleged deletion of WhatsApp messages during pandemic, insists she conducted Covid response through formal processes.

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stated that the UK Covid Inquiry has copies of her informal messages, contradicting previous reports that all her WhatsApp messages during the pandemic were deleted.
Sturgeon has faced criticism for allegedly deleting her messages, with opponents accusing her of attempting to hide exchanges with key ministers and advisers.
Sturgeon insists she conducted the Covid response through formal processes and not through informal messaging platforms, and that any handwritten notes were passed to her private office to be recorded.
The Scottish Conservative party chairman, Craig Hoy MSP, has criticized Sturgeon's statement, suggesting she is trying to deflect attention from the deletion of key messages.
The UK Covid Inquiry is currently sitting in Scotland for three weeks, taking evidence from senior civil servants.