Shona Robison accused of having ‘no control’ at health department

Health Secretary Shona Robison has been accused of losing control of her department.

Labour health spokeswoman Jenny Marrawelcomed the Government’s announcement that health statistics will now be published weekly but claimed it is a Labour idea and it contradicted previous statements by Ms Robison.

On February 4, Robison said ministers should not “interfere with the way official statistics are released” but the next day the First Minister revealed she had “asked officials to look at the possibility of moving to weekly publication”.

Ms Marra said it appears “decisions are being taken on health that Shona Robison knows nothing about and has no control over whatsoever”.

Ms Robison dismissed Labour’s suggestion it is leading the way on health, pointing out it did not publish weekly figures in its eight years leading the Scottish Executive.