Jason Leitch to step down as national clinical director

Jason Leitch helped lead the Scottish government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic

Jason Leitch will leave his role as Scotland's national clinical director at the end of April.

Prof Leitch, who helped lead the country's response to the Covid pandemic, will also leave his post at NHS Tayside.

He said it had been an "enormous privilege" to carry out his role.

Prof Leitch was recently questioned about the deletion of WhatsApp messages from the pandemic.

He had described it as a "pre-bed ritual" in a comment shown at the inquiry.

In evidence, Prof Leitch later said the comment was a "flippant exaggeration".

• Leitch denies giving Yousaf Covid rule 'workaround'

• Leitch deleted Covid WhatsApp messages - report

The qualified dentist, who has worked for the Scottish government since 2007, said he wanted to take a break and look for more challenges in the health and care sector.

Prof Leitch also said he wanted to continue to work with charities.

In a statement, he said: "The NHS and social care system does remarkable work every day, and I am immensely proud of the teams I have had the privilege of being part of."

The civil servant played a prominent role in government communications during the Covid pandemic, often representing the Scottish government in media briefings.

He also became a regular guest on TV and radio, including BBC Radio Scotland's popular football show, Off The Ball.

Jason Leitch featured in the regular Covid briefings with then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Prof Leitch said the global health crisis was an "unprecedented challenge" and he was proud of his colleagues "inside and outside of government" for their work.

"It was a privilege to be able to communicate with the public so directly and be part of that coordinated response," he added.

"I will forever be grateful for the public's attention and willingness to follow the guidance - it saved lives."

Prior to his government role, he worked as an oral surgery consultant in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Prof Leitch was awarded a CBE in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Prof Jason Leitch told the UK Covid Inquiry he complied with Scottish government data management rules

First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute to Prof Leitch's "fantastic contribution to the health of the nation".

"The enduring success of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme is testament to his work," he said.

"He played a huge role in helping me and fellow ministers navigate the Covid pandemic by providing advice to help reach the best decisions, and by communicating so well with the public.

"I of course wish him every success in the future."

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also sent Prof Leitch her best wishes on X, formerly known as Twitter.

She said: "I always valued the advice and support he gave me, first as health secretary and then first minister - not least during Covid when he was a key part of the Scottish government team and a reassuring presence for many across the country.

"His contribution to government will be missed."

But Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said Prof Leitch's position became "untenable" following "damning revelations" during the UK Covid Inquiry.

Mr Hoy added: "His flippant remarks on WhatsApp message deletion being a pre-bed ritual caused Covid bereaved families great upset.

"They should have been enough for Humza Yousaf to sack him. But, with the First Minister too weak to act, Jason Leitch has belatedly done the right thing by resigning."