Nicola Sturgeon said she wanted to be “the best First Minister” during the Covid pandemic as she appeared emotional giving evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry.

During a full-day session, she answered questions that included WhatsApp messages, allegations of political manoeuvring and questions over transparency.

Ms Sturgeon, who was the first minister who ordered Scotland into lockdown in March 2020, in line with the UK Government instructions, admitted there was a large part of her that wishes she had not been Scotland’s first minister during the Covid pandemic.

Pamela Thomas lost her brother James Cameron during the pandemic.

She said too much time was being taken up on the issue of WhatsApp messages and said: “I don’t think they’re capable of actually telling the truth or being transparent.”

She added: “Crocodile tears aren’t washing with me.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters