Humza Yousaf criticised by mum of tragic 10-year-old Milly Main over 'political' point scoring

Humza Yousaf has been accused of trying to score “political points” by the mum of tragic 10-year-old Milly Main. Kimberly Darroch said she was “disappointed” after the First Minister used a question about her daughter’s death in a Glasgow hospital to attack Labour.

Milly was in remission from leukemia at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow when she contracted an infection and died. An independent probe eventually concluded she died after “probably” catching a water-linked ­infection at the QEUH.

It was reported at the weekend that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been named as a suspect in a corporate homicide probe following the deaths of four patients at the hospital.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who has campaigned for justice for Milly's family, quoted the “pain” felt by Kimberly at First Minister’s Questions. Yousaf offered credit to those people who had supported Kimberly, but pivoted to an attack on Labour not supporting a ceasefire in Gaza.

He said: “Just yesterday, we saw a demonstration of the lack of leadership that Anas Sarwar is able to show. If, in the face of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza being killed, Anas Sarwar cannot even demand that his own Labour members of Parliament back a ceasefire, that is not a version of leadership that I will subscribe to.”

Kimberly told the Record: “I was very disappointed with the First Minister’s response. I hoped to hear answers and compassion, not a personal attack on Anas, who has never wavered in his support for our family and all the families affected.

“I really want the government to listen to those who have lost children and take the action required, rather than trying to score political points.”

Scottish Labour depute leader Jackie Baillie said: “The First Minister’s response to Anas Sarwar quoting the words of Kimberley Darroch was simply disgraceful. “It is horrifying that the First Minister wants to score cheap political points over the tragedy at the QEUH and the situation in the Middle East. Kimberley Darroch is right to be angry. Humza Yousaf should hang his head in shame and apologise.”

A spokesperson for the First Minister said: “During what was a lengthy and detailed exchange on this very important matter, the First Minister expressed his sympathies and condolences to the families affected, and gave credit to Anas Sarwar for his support for them.

"His closing point was in response to a political challenge about his leadership made by Mr Sarwar.”

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