Calls for National Clinical Director to 'resign or be sacked' over Whatsapp messages
The Scottish Conservatives say Professor Jason Leitch "crossed a line" in an exchange of messages with then-health secretary Humza Yousaf
The Scottish Conservatives are calling for Scotland’s National Clinical Director to resign or be sacked – after more pandemic Whatsapp messages were revealed to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
In an exchange with then-health secretary Humza Yousaf, Professor Leitch branded a Conservative politician "rude" and a Labour MSP a "smart arse" after giving a coronavirus briefing to politicians.
Professor Leitch made comments about Tory and Labour MSPs
Papers released by the inquiry show a conversation between the two men on WhatsApp on June 11 2021, with Prof Leitch telling Mr Yousaf he had just led a briefing for MSPs.
While he said the MSPs were "mostly fine" and "very reasonable and predictable", Prof Leitch added: "Edward Mountain rude and Daniel Johnson a smart arse.
"My mum taught me never to be rude. Mountain was head shaking and harrumphing... like a child."
Mr Yousaf replied: "Doesn't surprise me about Mountain or DJ frankly."
He then advises Prof Leitch that Labour MSP Paul Sweeney would "be one to watch", with Mr Yousaf saying: "He will tell you how to do your job."
Prof Leitch responds by saying Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar "says he's struggling with him" and another of his MSPs, Mercedes Villalba - who the adviser describes as a "new girl" after she was elected to Holyrood that month.
Humza Yousaf said he was "winging it" while Health Secretary
In the messages, Mr Yousaf, who became health secretary in May 2021 after the Holyrood election, also tells Prof Leitch he is "winging it" in the post.
Mr Yousaf remarked that the pandemic meant "everyone is of course a public health expert", with Prof Leitch telling him: "You actually are. Three weeks training!"
The minister responds: "I am winging it! And will get found out sooner rather than later."
The Scottish Conservatives believe the National Clinical Director should not continue in his role, with chairman Craig Hoy telling Clyde 1 News: “Jason Leitch is meant to be an independent health advisor acting on behalf of the Scottish people, not some pal or patsy of the SNP and First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Scottish Conservatives say Professor Leitch should resign or be sacked
“His remarks, his tone, and the content of these Whatsapp messages is totally inappropriate.
“Jason Leitch has crossed a line. He should resign or he should be sacked.”
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has already heard from both Mr Yousaf and Prof Leitch as it takes evidence during a series of sessions in Edinburgh.
These will continue next week, with Jeane Freeman, who preceded Mr Yousaf as health secretary, and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon both due to answer questions.