COVID-19 Inquiry

On 3 October 2022 the resignation of the Hon. Lady Poole as chair was announced. The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery wrote the following letter to the Presiding Officer to confirm this.

Dear Presiding Officer,

Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

I am writing to inform you that the Honourable Lady Poole is to resign as Chair of the independent Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry.

Lady Poole gave notice to me on Friday 30 September that she intends to step down from the role for personal reasons. I am grateful to Lady Poole for the important work she has undertaken since the establishment of the Scottish inquiry, and also for her offer to assist with the transition to her successor during a notice period of up to three months.

I have already spoken with the Lord President about arrangements for appointing a new judicial chair to lead the Scottish Inquiry, and these arrangements will be progressed on an urgent basis.

The Scottish Government remains committed to the vital work of the public inquiry, as is the independent Inquiry team. The work of the inquiry will continue and people who wish to engage with it can be reassured that they can continue to do so.

I will provide a further update to Parliament about a replacement Chair at the earliest possible opportunity.

This letter is copied to leaders of the opposition parties and to the Convener of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee.

Yours sincerely,

John Swinney