Scottish covid inquiry thrown into chaos as top lawyers resign just months after launch

05.10.2022 - 11:27 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A public inquiry into Scotland's handling of the covid pandemic was thrown into chaos last night after it was revealed four members of its legal team had quit.

It comes just days after the top judge appointed to chair the inquiry quit for "personal reasons".

Douglas Ross KC and three junior counsel sent their resignations to Lady Poole, the inquiry chairwoman, last Thursday.

Poole quit the next day but her departure was not announced until Monday by Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

The public inquiry was launched in February and has already cost taxpayers almost £1 million with no estimate of the final cost.

Families who lost loved ones to covid have now demanded the Scottish Government offers an explanation.

Peter Watson, who represents some families whose relatives died in care homes, told The Times : "What we need to know is who is to be appointed as core participants, who they think would be useful to give evidence, if they are going to break it up into modules, as they have in the English inquiry.

"We need timings. We haven't even got premises. The families have had no answers."

The public inquiry in England held its first session yesterday. There is no date for when the same will happen in Scotland.

A spokesman for the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry said: "We can confirm that four members of the counsel team have left the inquiry.

"We are immensely grateful for their contribution to the inquiry’s progress and wish them every success."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "A public inquiry operates independently of ministers. As a result, the procedure, conduct and operation of the inquiry, including staffing and counsel appointments, are matters for the chair.

"The Scottish Government is keen to help ensure the excellent