Rishi Sunak’s government was plunged into an extraordinary row yesterday over Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages when the official Covid Inquiry threatened legal action over its refusal to share details.
The Cabinet Office has so far refused to hand over unredacted copies of the former prime minister’s diary entries, WhatsApp messages and emails, prompting the head of the public inquiry to warn of possible criminal sanctions.
The dramatic development came as Mr Johnson sacked his government-appointed legal team after he was referred to police over further possible rule breaches and as Suella Braverman escaped any further scrutiny over her speeding fine row.
Frustrated Conservative MPs told The Independent Mr Sunak had to get on top of the “damaging” scandals which threaten to derail his efforts to regain credibility and win the next general election.
The fresh split comes as:
- Mr Sunak decided a probe into Ms Braverman’s handling of her speeding offence was “not necessary”
- Mr Johnson said he had no legal representation as he looks to appoint a new Partygate defence team
- Baroness Hallett rejected Cabinet Office arguments that Mr Johnson’s messages were “personal”
Senior Tories are “seething” at the latest distracting controversies – describing the former PM as “a bad smell that doesn’t go away”.
Tory moderates are keen for Mr Sunak to stop the party getting “dragged back” by Mr Johnson and Ms Braverman, who has avoided a formal investigation despite controversy over her request for a private speed awareness course.
This story is from the May 25, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the May 25, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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