By Ben Kerrigan-
Simon Case,(pictured) UK’s top civil servant, is slated to provide testimony to the Covid-19 inquiry, shedding light on his damning views of Boris Johnson’s pandemic-era administration.
Scheduled for May 23, Case’s appearance comes after his return to work as Cabinet Secretary following a hiatus due to medical reasons.
His testimony is anticipated to delve into highly critical WhatsApp messages that surfaced last year, revealing his frustration with the government’s approach to managing the pandemic under Johnson’s leadership.
In a particularly damning message from July 2020, predating his tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Case reportedly remarked to Lord Sedwill, the former civil service chief, “I’ve never seen a bunch of people less well-equipped to run a country.”
He further characterized Johnson and his inner circle as “basically feral,” suggesting that Carrie Johnson, the prime minister’s wife, held considerable sway in No 10.
Case’s absence from previous hearings raised eyebrows, particularly given the sensitive nature of his remarks and their potential implications.
The rescheduling of his appearance just months before a general election adds another layer of complexity for Downing Street, signalling potential political fallout from his testimony.
Among the revelations expected during Case’s testimony is his criticism of Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor at the time, for what he deemed “totally outrageous” behavior.
Case reportedly accused Sunak of obstructing efforts to enforce Covid rules, despite publicly advocating for stricter measures.
Baroness Hallett, chairwoman of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, had previously excused Case from providing evidence due to health reasons.
However, following his return to work, she reiterated her intention for Case to testify, underscoring the importance of his insights into the government’s decision-making process during the pandemic.
The confirmation of Case’s testimony underscores the gravity of the inquiry’s mandate to uncover the truth behind the government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Anticipation in political circle mounts for revelations that could potentially reshape public perception of the government’s actions during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Observers believe that only through a thorough and impartial examination of the facts can lessons be learned and measures be implemented to prevent similar shortcomings in the future.