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At the Covid inquiry hearing in Edinburgh Liz Lloyd, Nicola Sturgeon's former chief of staff, was asked about her wanting a row with the UK government. (See 11.35am.)

Asked if she was looking for a spat, Lloyd replied:

I was looking for a spat with a purpose.

It had been shown in the past that they would sometimes change their mind if they felt that pressure and I wanted them to change their mind.

Sturgeon said his address was fucking excruciating" and that the UK communications were awful". Sturgeon also told Lloyd: His utter incompetence in every sense is now offending me on behalf of politicians everywhere."

Lloyd said she was offended" on behalf of special advisers everywhere. Sturgeon replied: He is a fucking clown."