Covid in Scotland: Four lawyers step down from public inquiry

Four lawyers have stepped down after the resignation of the inquiry chair, Lady Poole,

The Scottish Covid-19 public inquiry has confirmed that four members of its legal team have stood down.

It follows news of the resignation of inquiry chair, Lady Poole, who is said to be leaving for personal reasons.

The review will look at the Scottish government's actions throughout the pandemic, from introducing lockdown to the delivery of testing and vaccines.

It will also focus on infection control in care homes, including the transfer of patients from hospitals.

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A spokesperson for the 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.

"The independent inquiry is continuing its important work on behalf of the public pending the appointment of a new chair."

'Excellent progress'

Lady Poole has offered to assist her successor while serving her notice period.

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 progress made so far by the inquiry is continued. Consequently, work to appoint a new chair is being progressed at pace.

"The deputy first minister has already spoken with the Lord President about arrangements for appointing a new judicial chair.

"Having advised MSPs on Monday he undertook to provide a further update to parliament about a replacement chair at the earliest opportunity."