Nicola Sturgeon called Boris Johnson a ‘clown’, inquiry hears

During the UK Covid Inquiry, it was revealed that Nicola Sturgeon referred to Boris Johnson as a “clown” in a text conversation laden with expletives with her chief of staff.

The inquiry showcased messages where the former first minister criticised a Downing Street announcement about a second Covid lockdown in England, describing it as “excruciating.” Sturgeon expressed her offence at then PM Johnson’s perceived “utter incompetence.”

Sturgeon’s former aide explained that the choice of language reflected Sturgeon’s frustration with the situation. 

First Minister Humza Yousaf, who also testified at the inquiry, announced an externally-led review into the Scottish government’s use of mobile messaging apps. 

Yousaf acknowledged “challenges” in how the app is employed in government and conceded that the handling of requests for WhatsApp messages had not been the government’s “finest hour,” lacking the confidence of bereaved families.