Covid inquiry told of exchange between cabinet secretary and the then PM’s principal private secretary
Martin Reynolds was challenged about why he turned on a disappearing messages function on a WhatsApp group involving Boris Johnson.Martin Reynolds was challenged about why he turned on a disappearing messages function on a WhatsApp group involving Boris Johnson.Boris Johnson was “mad” if he did not think his WhatsApp messages would become public during the Covid inquiry, Whitehall’s leading civil servant told another senior mandarin in an exchange during the pandemic.
At that point, the inquiry was told about a message to Reynolds from Simon Case, who was cabinet secretary – and continues to serve in that role – who told him in December 2021: “The PM is mad if he doesn’t think his WhatsApps will become public via Covid Inquiry – but he was clearly not in the mood for that discussion tonight! We’ll have that battle in the new year.”
At a later point during his appearance on Monday, Reynolds was asked about a WhatsApp group including senior officials, which he said was used to summarise and brief Johnson. The inquiry was told that on 15 April 2021, Reynolds turned on the disappearing messages function on the group a few weeks after Johnson had announced to parliament that an inquiry would take place.
Keith reminded him that members of the group were some of his most closest and important colleagues, with whom he had been engaging for many months.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
John Cleese surprised at GB News showcase for ‘serial liar’ Boris JohnsonComedian shares incredulity at former PM’s hire by news channel that will host Cleese’s own interview show
Read more »
Ice hockey player Adam Johnson dead after suffering slashed neck during Nottingham Panthers match7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Ice Hockey Player Dies After Throat Slashed by Opponent's Boot BladePolice are investigating the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who had his throat slashed by an opponent's stray boot blade during a game in Sheffield. Johnson's death was confirmed by his mother on Facebook.
Read more »
Mental Health of Young Adults in Victoria Continues to Decline Post-COVIDNew research reveals that the mental health of young adults in Victoria is still deteriorating after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, younger children seem to be recovering faster from the effects of the lockdown. Despite the implementation of learning-from-home measures in 2021, academic performance remains unaffected.
Read more »
UK Covid inquiry reaches week of potentially damning testimonyDominic Cummings will testify, plus senior aides and civil servants known to the public because of illicit parties
Read more »
JobKeeper cost nation around $88 billion during COVID-19A Treasury review of JobKeeper, used during the COVID-19 years, says it saved between 300,000 and 800,000 jobs at a cost of around $88 billion. The review says the scheme was implemented at incredible speed but ultimately delivered its aims.
Read more »