Nicola Sturgeon calls SNP MP 'Margaret Covid' in briefing mix-up

Nicola Sturgeon accidentally called the SNP MP who breached coronavirus restrictions “Margaret Covid” in an unfortunate mix-up.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

The First Minister suffered a slip of the tongue when discussing the Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP at her daily press briefing today.

Ms Sturgeon made the mix-up while discussing when she knew the MP had breached the rules.

She said: "The first I knew about Margaret Covid, er, Margaret Ferrier having Covid was yesterday afternoon.

“I think people can imagine my reaction to hearing that.”

The SNP MP had displayed symptoms on Saturday, come to Westminster on the Monday, and then got a positive test result that evening.

Despite having symptoms and awaiting results, Ms Ferrier had spoken in the House of Commons and then travelled back to Glasgow.

Ms Sturgeon said of the circumstances: “'I wish her a speedy recovery from Covid-19, but none of that changes the fact that her actions were reckless, dangerous and completely indefensible.”

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director