,” adding, “And that’s a burden I will carry for the rest of my life.” She insisted that all ministers played a full part in decision-making and stood by her decision to “lead from the front,” making it clear that she was ultimately responsible.
Exclusion of Formal Structures
A “Gold Command” group consisting of Sturgeon, her deputy John Swinney, and other senior ministers and advisers frequently met without taking formal minutes. The report criticized this informal approach, stating: “The use of this informal group ‘diminished the role of the Scottish cabinet and reduced the transparency of decision-making.’” It further noted that key decisions such as closing schools were taken by Sturgeon and Swinney alone, sidelining the Scottish Cabinet.
Impact on Government Operations
The inquiry highlighted a “toxic and chaotic culture” at the heart of Boris Johnson’s government, which negatively impacted intergovernmental relations between Edinburgh and London. Sturgeon clashed with Johnson over the use of political campaigning during his July 2020 visit to Scotland.
Consequences for Future Pandemics
The report concluded that all four UK governments failed to take immediate emergency steps in early 2020, leading to thousands of avoidable deaths. It emphasized the need for better preparedness and coordination in future emergencies, suggesting that leaders should prioritize collective working over political division.
Sturgeon’s response to the findings was mixed: while she defended her actions, acknowledging mistakes, she also called for learning from them moving forward. The Scottish government has since banned ministers from using mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp for official business, reflecting a shift in communication protocols.
The full report, spanning over 760 pages, provides detailed insights into the decision-making processes during one of the most challenging periods in modern British history. As the UK grapples with ongoing health and economic challenges, this inquiry offers critical lessons on effective leadership and government collaboration.
