Top Nicola Sturgeon civil servant who destroyed covid WhatsApp messages retired on £1.4m pension

Top Nicola Sturgeon civil servant who destroyed COVID WhatsApp messages retired on £1.4m pension
By Paul Hutcheon, Political Editor, Daily Record

A top civil servant, Ken Thomson, who encouraged colleagues to delete COVID-related WhatsApp messages, has retired with a pension valued at £1.4m. Despite his role in a major scandal during Nicola Sturgeon’s tenure as First Minister, Thomson was also awarded a CBE. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton criticized Thomson’s actions, highlighting how families of COVID victims are still seeking answers while Thomson enjoys a comfortable retirement.

This year saw a controversy surrounding Sturgeon and her senior civil servants deleting messages during the pandemic, leading to allegations of a cover-up by the families of COVID victims. Messages retrieved by the UK Covid Inquiry uncovered Thomson’s involvement in the deletion scandal. In a WhatsApp group named ‘Covid Outbreak’ in 2020, Thomson advised colleagues on deleting messages, warning that they were discoverable under Freedom of Information requests.

Thomson’s retirement in late last year and subsequent CBE award have raised concerns, with Tory MSP Murdo Fraser stating that this news would be distressing for those who lost loved ones to COVID. The spotlight is now on the SNP’s focus on transparency and accountability.

Scottish Government accounts show that Thomson and five other senior civil servants have pension benefits exceeding £1m. Thomson’s £1.4m pension is estimated to provide around £70,000 annually. Amidst growing calls for answers, the Scottish Government spokesperson emphasized that the pay and pensions framework for Senior Civil Servants falls under the UK Government’s jurisdiction.

Insights and Summary:
The revelation of a top civil servant involved in deleting COVID-related messages retiring with a significant pension highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations. The public scrutiny and criticism surrounding this scandal underline the need for greater integrity and adherence to regulations, especially during times of crisis. As the fallout continues, the focus remains on addressing the concerns of the families affected by COVID and ensuring that lessons are learned for future governance.