Nicola Sturgeon to miss FMQs as she claims 'Covid has really floored me'

Nicola Sturgeon to miss FMQs as she claims 'Covid has really floored me'
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Tom Evans

By Tom Evans


Published: 26/05/2022

- 09:53

Updated: 26/05/2022

- 10:02

Nicola Sturgeon is to miss First Minister’s Questions as she continues to recover from Covid-19

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will stand in for Ms Sturgeon on Thursday, taking questions from opposition leaders and MSPs.

The First Minster said on Friday she had tested positive for coronavirus, following a meeting with Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O’Neill and a trip to the US.


Ms Sturgeon said this week the virus had “knocked me for six”, and she added on Twitter on Thursday that she was feeling better but “still not very well”.

She added: “Today @johnswinney will stand in for me at #FMQs.

“I’m starting to feel a bit better, but still not very well – Covid managed to really floor me unfortunately.

“I’ll hopefully be back fully fit after taking rest of week at home to recover. Thanks again for all the good wishes.”

Ms Sturgeon this week became the longest serving First Minister, but the virus stifled any celebrations that may have been planned.

Mr Swinney’s turn at First Minister’s Questions may have come at an inopportune time for the Scottish Government, with opposition MSPs continuing to question his involvement in the sign off of a contract for two late and over-budget ferries.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during her visit to open NHS 24's new centre at Hillington, Glasgow as part of the organisations 20th Anniversary celebrations. Picture date: Monday May 9, 2022.
Nicola Sturgeon will miss FMQs today
Andrew Milligan

John Swinney will stand in for the First Minister
John Swinney will stand in for the First Minister
Fraser Bremner/Daily Mail

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