By Tony O’Reilly-
Johnson was torn between internal and external pressure within the Conservative party when he delayed the reintroduction of Covid-19 curbs in the autumn of 2020, Hancock said.
Hancock’s testimony highlighted the “enormous pressure” exerted by MPs and cabinet ministers to avoid implementing regional restrictions in October 2020, a critical period when Covid-19 cases were on the rise.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
Messages from October 9, revealed during the inquiry, indicated that the UK’s top civil servant, Simon Case, conveyed the Prime Minister’s apprehension that the Tory party would not support a “national imposition” after the initial lockdown in March.
The former health secretary argued that a faction within Parliament, actively campaigning against a lockdown, was gaining momentum, and maintaining parliamentary consent and public support became crucial.
Hancock’s revelations contribute to a series of accounts from former officials and ministers, painting a clearer picture of the decision-making processes during Johnson’s tenure.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Johnson is expected to unreservedly apologise for government errors during the lockdown when he testifies before the inquiry next week.
Sajid Javid, who served as health secretary in 2021-2022, earlier this week described Downing Street as “dysfunctional,” with Johnson seemingly “not in charge” leading up to March 2020.
Hancock, on Thursday, spoke of a “toxic” culture within the government and accused Dominic Cummings, then chief adviser to Johnson, of attempting a “power grab.”
Friday’s testimony from Hancock unveiled further tensions, with him claiming exclusion from key meetings between Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Johnson.
He pointedly remarked, “The prime minister was under pressure not to do enough.”
However, whether a second lockdown was absolutely necessary remains a contentious issue.
There was a growing body of opinion that vulnerable people should isolate themselves, rather than another lockdown imposed at the expense of the economy.
The inquiry, scheduled to run until the summer of 2026, aims to scrutinize the government’s preparedness and decision-making during the pandemic.
Following Hancock’s admission, it becomes essential for the public to reflect on the consequences of political maneuvering in the face of a public health crisis, emphasizing the critical role of strong leadership during challenging times.
If a second lockdown was truly against the interest of the nation, strong leadership may have required this to have been stated in the face of other opposing forces in the aprty.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar