Simon Case, the UK's top civil servant, expressed frustration with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's leadership during the pandemic. In WhatsApp messages shared with the Covid-19 inquiry, Case stated that Johnson 'cannot lead' and that his approach was making government 'impossible'. This comes as former top aide Martin Reynolds appeared at Lady Hallett's probe.
The UK’s top civil servant vented that Boris Johnson “cannot lead” amid pandemic-era frustration with the Prime Minister’s leadership, according to WhatsApp messages shared with the Covid-19 inquiry.
Our second witness today, Imran Shafi has now been sworn in and begins his evidence.“He changes strategic direction every day the UK is pathetic, needs a cold shower etc).“Decide and set direction – deliver – explain.It is not the first time that private concerns by Mr Case have made public. The then-leader, according to a note read from the diary of a former private secretary, asked why the economy was being destroyed “for people who will die anyway soon”, in the days before the country went into lockdown.
Taking questions from Hugo Keith KC, lead counsel to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, he was asked about a 10-day spell in February 2020 where there “were no communications by email, by Cobra, by boxed notes, with the prime minister during that 10-day period on coronavirus”. He accepted that Government protocols were “inadequate” and “grossly deficient”, while also pointing to the “unusual dynamic” in Downing Street during that period and the influence of Dominic Cummings.
The former chief scientist’s notebooks also described Mr Cummings’ Downing Street rose garden statement to the media as a “car crash” and “rambling”, and said neither he nor Sir Chris wanted to do a press conference with Mr Johnson afterwards.
UK Civil Servant Boris Johnson Leadership Pandemic Covid-19 Inquiry Frustration Government Martin Reynolds Simon Case Whatsapp Messages
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top Civil Servant Says Boris Johnson Should Have Expected WhatsApp Messages to Become PublicThe country's top civil servant criticizes Boris Johnson for not realizing that his private WhatsApp messages would be made public as part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Read more »
Top Civil Servant Says Boris Johnson Should Have Expected WhatsApp Messages to Become PublicThe country's top civil servant criticizes Boris Johnson for not realizing that his private WhatsApp messages would be made public as part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Read more »
UK's top civil servant criticizes Boris Johnson's leadership during Covid pandemicSimon Case, the UK’s top civil servant, expressed his lack of support for Boris Johnson's leadership approach during the Covid pandemic. WhatsApp messages revealed Case's assessment of Johnson's constant changes in strategic direction and his belief that the government was run by a weak team. The messages were published as Martin Reynolds, the official who ran the PM's private office, gave evidence to the inquiry.
Read more »
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson Joins GB News as PresenterBoris Johnson announces his new venture as a presenter on GB News, where he will share his unvarnished views on politics and world affairs. GB News is proud to have him join the family and believes his unique insight will be a must-see for viewers and listeners.
Read more »
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson Joins GB NewsBoris Johnson, the former prime minister, has announced his new role as a presenter on GB News, becoming the latest Conservative politician to join the news channel. In a video message, Johnson expressed his excitement to share his unfiltered views on various global issues and the future of Britain.
Read more »