Britain’s Cabinet Secretary Faces Tough Questions in Pandemic Response Inquiry

Britain’s top civil servant, Simon Case, underwent a lengthy interrogation at the official inquiry into the UK’s pandemic response, overshadowed by a snap election announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak the day prior.

During the 6.5-hour session, Case was scrutinized for his pivotal role in Boris Johnson‘s government during the chaotic pandemic handling.

The inquiry delved into Case’s candid WhatsApp messages, where he openly criticized Johnson, his advisors, and the public, admitting to his prolific WhatsApp use and expressing regret for some of his messages.

New text messages from Case in 2020 emerged, revealing his advice to Boris Johnson to refrain from using WhatsApp.

As the inquiry progressed, Case emotionally reflected on the dark period in fall 2020 when the UK saw a surge in Covid-19 cases before implementing a second national lockdown.

Case described the failings under Johnson’s government as unprecedented and admitted to the collective responsibility for the lives lost during that time.

Amidst newly disclosed WhatsApps and his oral testimony, Case highlighted a toxic culture in Whitehall and Downing Street, expressing frustration at inefficient decision-making.

He agreed with the inquiry’s notion of a ‘culture of fear’ surrounding Dominic Cummings, although he tempered it by suggesting that Cummings’ reputation may have been exaggerated.

Case’s past criticism of Boris Johnson, calling him ‘mad and dangerous’ and ‘feral’, was smoothed over during the inquiry, where he explained Johnson’s decision-making process and opposition to lockdown.

Revelations also included Case advising Johnson to balance decisions with Chancellor Rishi Sunak to avoid policy U-turns based on economic concerns.