Scotland’s Covid-19 public inquiry has come under fire following the resignation of four lawyers and chairwoman, Lady Poole.

The inquiry has been set up to examine the actions of the government including the decision to transfer untested hospital patients to care homes.

Lawyer Aamer Anwar told the Scottish Daily Express: “We believe the Scottish public inquiry very much looks like a sinking ship. The writing was on the wall for sometime and the families deserve better. So far they feel betrayed by those who promised them the truth.”

The Times reported Lady Poole stepped down on Friday a day after Douglas Ross KC, the lead counsel, and three junior counsels handed in their resignations.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said Lady Poole had resigned for “personal reasons” but reports suggested her relationship with the lawyers had broken down.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “A public inquiry operates independently of ministers. As a result, the procedure, conduct and operation of the inquiry, including staffing and counsel appointments, are matters for the chair.

“The Scottish government is keen to help ensure the excellent progress made so far by the inquiry is continued. Consequently, work to appoint a new chair is being progressed at pace.

“The Deputy First Minister has already spoken with the Lord President about arrangements for appointing a new judicial chair. Having advised MSPs on Monday he undertook to provide a further update to Parliament about a replacement chair at the earliest opportunity.”

The first preliminary hearing on England’s Covid inquiry began yesterday.