Nicola Sturgeon's appearance at the UK Covid Inquiry was far more emotionally taxing than anticipated, with insiders revealing the former Scottish First Minister was left in a 'bad state' and teetering on the brink of a breakdown.
Sources close to Sturgeon disclosed that the relentless questioning and scrutiny during her testimony took a severe psychological toll. The marathon session, which saw her grilled for hours over her government's pandemic decisions, allegedly left her 'drained and distressed'.
The Weight of Accountability
Sturgeon, who resigned earlier this year, faced tough interrogation about controversial policies including care home discharges and lockdown timing. Critics argue these decisions had devastating consequences, while supporters maintain she acted on best available evidence.
Behind The Scenes Fallout
According to witnesses, the normally composed politician struggled to maintain her characteristic poise as inquiry lawyers dismantled her defences. 'She looked utterly broken afterwards,' one observer noted, describing how aides had to provide extensive emotional support.
Political Repercussions
The inquiry revelations come at a sensitive time for Scottish politics, with Sturgeon's successor Humza Yousaf attempting to steady the ship after a turbulent leadership transition. Opposition parties are seizing on the testimony to demand greater transparency about pandemic decision-making.
As the inquiry continues, mental health experts warn about the 'unsustainable pressure' on public figures during such high-stakes investigations. The episode raises important questions about how democracies balance accountability with humanity when scrutinising leaders.
