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Sturgeon called Johnson a 'clown' in expletive-laden text

Nicola Sturgeon called Boris Johnson a "clown" in an expletive-laden text conversation with her chief of staff, the UK Covid Inquiry has heard.

The inquiry was shown messages in which the former first minister described as "excruciating" a Downing Street announcement about a second Covid lockdown in England.

Ms Sturgeon said she was offended by Mr Johnson's "utter incompetence".

Liz Lloyd, who served as chief of staff and a strategic adviser to Ms Sturgeon between 2015 and 2023, said the language showed Ms Sturgeon's "frustration".

The WhatsApp exchange between Ms Sturgeon and Ms Lloyd was read out at the inquiry, which is currently being held in Edinburgh, by junior counsel Usman Tariq.

25 January 2024

Coronavirus public inquiry

Nicola Sturgeon

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