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An official inquiry into the handling of the covid pandemic criticised the use of WhatsApp by SNP Government figures . ‌

Baroness Hallett said the use of private channels could “impede” the courts and official investigations. ‌

The criticism came after former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and successor John Swinney were condemned for wiping her covid WhatsApps . ‌

Jason Leitch, at that point the national clinical director, also told other senior officials that deleting his messages was a “pre-bed ritual."

Hallett’s latest report stated: “Key decision-makers such as Ms Sturgeon and Mr Swinney used private phones for official business throughout the pandemic and to discuss aspects of the response.” ‌

But she warned: “The use of instant communication channels as

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