Good Morning Britain: Nicola Sturgeon says Calderwood “made a big mistake”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appeared on Good Morning Britain to answer questions about former Chief Medical Officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood

It comes after Dr Calderwood resigned last night amid a scandal over her breaking the Government’s own coronavirus restrictions.

Calderwood was photographed by the Sun on Sunday visiting her second home in Earlsferry, Fife, after earlier being seen at her address in Edinburgh.

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On Sunday morning she apologised unreservedly for her actions, resigned late last night after a growing public backlash.

Sturgeon appeared on GMB this morning.Sturgeon appeared on GMB this morning.
Sturgeon appeared on GMB this morning.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, where she was asked about her former Chief Medical Officer.

Piers Morgan: Why didn’t you fire Dr Calderwood straight away? This was a grotesque breach of trust.

Sturgeon: She made a big mistake, and I understand people’s anger. But equally, changing Chief Medical Officer at this point is not ideal either. My sole focus right now is to get the country through this.

Morgan: She completely betrayed you, she completely betrayed Scotland - God knows how many lives she put at risk.

Sturgeon: I’m not defending what she did. But I also know how hard she has worked. Ultimately I’m not prepared to have that vital public health message undermined, which is why she is no longer in office.

Susanna Reid: What people do publicly has to be absolutely consistent. Calderwood’s actions send a terrible message.

Sturgeon: I agree, and that’s why she’s no longer in office. That message is so important - people should be following the advice to stay at home.

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Asked whether Boris Johnson should continue in post while he is hospitalised, or whether he should temporarily stand aside, Sturgeon said “I’m not in a position to answer.

“Let me take this opportunity to wish him all the best,” she said, “and the speediest of recoveries. But I don’t think I’m in a position to answer.

“If he feels he’s unable to continue as PM, I’m sure he’ll stand aside.”

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