The UK Covid Inquiry has threatened legal action against the Cabinet Office over the refusal to hand over unedited WhatsApp messages and other documents belonging to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, including 24 notebooks and 300 pages of emails.
The inquiry's leader, Baroness Heather Hallett, has demanded the full documents by a specific date, warning that failure to comply could result in a fine.
Johnson has severed ties with his Government-appointed lawyers and is seeking new representation.
The Cabinet Office argues that the materials requested are sensitive and should not be disclosed outside of government without a valid reason.
Downing Street has stated that it has no duty to disclose "unambiguously irrelevant" material.