Carrie Johnson was the "real person in charge" at No10, says senior civil servant

Embarrassing WhatsApp exchange revealed by Covid inquiry

A 2020 WhatsApp exchange released by the Covid inquiry has shed light on the influence of Carrie Johnson, the wife of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, during the pandemic. The messages show Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, complaining about Carrie's role in decision-making and describing the government as a "terrible, tragic joke".

Simon Case's candid remarks

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, who has weathered several controversies since taking office, expressed his frustration in the WhatsApp exchange. He mentioned that Carrie was the "real person in charge" and joked that Downing Street aides Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain were mistaken in believing that Cummings was the "secret PM".

Dysfunctionality in No10

The WhatsApp messages were presented to the Covid inquiry by lawyer Hugo Keith KC to highlight the dysfunctionality within No10. The discussion centered around the introduction of regional lockdowns, and Mr. Case's comments indicated a lack of credibility and a feeling that important decisions were not being made in a timely manner.

Clashes and departures

Following clashes with Carrie Johnson, Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain ultimately left their positions in No10 in 2020. Their departure was accompanied by criticism from Boris Johnson's close ally Nadine Dorries, who accused them of targeting the Prime Minister through his wife.