The departures follow that of Lady Poole, the inquiry chair, who announced she was leaving the inquiry on Monday.

The review is tasked with looking at the Scottish government’s actions during the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the inquiry said: “We can confirm that four members of the counsel team have left the inquiry. We are immensely grateful for their contribution to the inquiry’s progress and wish them every success.

“The independent inquiry is continuing its important work on behalf of the public pending the appointment of a new chair.”

A Scottish government spokesman 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.”