WhatsApp Messages Reveal Complaints about Influence of Boris Johnson’s Partner

WhatsApp messages from 2020 have been released as part of the Covid inquiry, shedding light on senior civil servant Simon Case’s dissatisfaction with the influence of Carrie, the partner of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In a chat with Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings, Case jokingly refers to Mrs. Johnson as “the real person in charge,” expressing frustration with the government’s decision-making. These messages were shared as evidence during a session of the Covid inquiry focused on political governance.

The screenshots of the WhatsApp group chat, which were provided by Cummings, displayed the conversation that took place in autumn 2020. Hugo Keith KC, the senior lawyer for the inquiry, used these messages to highlight what he referred to as “dysfunctionality” within the government. Case’s comments reflect his concern about Carrie’s involvement in decision-making, suggesting that she had considerable influence. The exchange also reveals the frustration felt by government officials in dealing with the Covid situation.

Discussing the possibility of implementing regional circuit breakers, Case writes, “Am not sure I can cope with today. Might just go home.” When questioned about the topic, the head of communications, Lee Cain, asks, “What are we talking about?” Case responds, “Whatever Carrie cares about, I guess,” emphasizing her influence. He further adds, “I was always told that Dom was the secret PM. How wrong they are. I look forward to telling select tomorrow… don’t worry about Dom, the real person in charge is Carrie.” Cummings agrees with a laughing emoji, and Cain adds that Carrie “doesn’t know she is talking about either.” These messages convey a sense of frustration with the government’s decision-making process and lack of credibility.

The timing of these messages coincides with the reintroduction of Covid restrictions in England during the autumn of 2020. Carrie Johnson, who was in a relationship with Boris Johnson before he became prime minister in 2019, has faced criticism throughout Johnson’s tenure, particularly from Cummings, who was a close adviser to Johnson but later became a critic. Simon Case, a former senior civil servant in No 10, was promoted to be the head of the civil service in September 2020.

The inquiry also uncovered texts between Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings from March 2020. In these messages, Johnson refers to the chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance as “wonderful men,” but mentions that they are navigating new territory. Johnson also describes Mark Sedwill, the former head of the civil service, as being “miles off pace.” Cummings responds by highlighting that the Cabinet Office and the health department have not fully understood the implications of the models they were using. These texts indicate the internal dynamics and challenges faced by the government during the pandemic.

During the inquiry session, the senior lawyer Hugo Keith KC cautions about the accuracy of WhatsApp messages, noting that they lack nuance and can be intemperate. He also emphasizes that diary entries may not accurately reflect the reality of the situation day by day and might have been drafted for a different audience. However, Keith argues that these messages, along with other evidence like diary entries and notes from Sir Patrick Vallance, demonstrate the presence of factionalism and infighting within the government as they responded to the coronavirus pandemic. Vallance’s notes were not displayed, but Keith explains that they show conflicts between various factions within Downing Street, with Prime Minister Johnson caught in the middle.

Alex Thomas, a former senior civil servant who testified during the inquiry, confirms that there was an anxious and chaotic atmosphere between the Cabinet Office and Number 10 in the early period of the pandemic. Keith suggests that dysfunctionality during that time was a reflection of the system and structures in place. However, as time progressed, the dysfunctionality was more rooted in the personalities and working relationships of those in government.

In the afternoon session of the inquiry, long Covid experts Professor Chris Brightling and Dr. Rachael Evans expressed shock and disappointment at Boris Johnson’s comments, written on an October 2020 report. In those comments, Johnson dismisses the condition, comparing it to “Gulf War Syndrome stuff” in colorful language. Professor Brightling suggests that such remarks could have influenced the government’s approach to long Covid and had an impact on policymaking.

The current stage of the Covid inquiry examines political decision-making from January 2020 to February 2022, including the timing and effectiveness of lockdowns and other social-distancing measures. The inquiry is taking place in London until Christmas before moving to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to focus specifically on the decisions made by the administrations in those regions.

Boris Johnson, along with other ministers, advisers, civil servants, and health officials, is expected to provide evidence in person later this year. The Covid inquiry aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making processes and actions taken during the pandemic.