SCOTTISH LABOUR has attacked the SNP’s “culture of secrecy and cover-up,” as a row over missing messages related to its handling of the Covid pandemic continues.

A freedom of information request by pro-union group These Islands revealed that former first minister Nicola Sturgeon did not transfer or transcribe a single WhatsApp message from the crisis to the Scottish government’s electronic records and document management system.

Ms Sturgeon had told the Covid Inquiry just weeks ago that messages were deleted in line with what she asserted was government guidance, but also claimed all information she deemed “relevant” had been transferred to the official record.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “The culture of secrecy and cover-up at the heart of the SNP government is becoming more stark by the day. 

“Nicola Sturgeon defended wiping her WhatsApp messages by claiming important information was retained on the record — but now it seems there isn’t a trace of any of them.

“This SNP government still has huge questions to answer, including why it failed to live up to its promise of transparency.”