Simon Case Apologizes for 'Raw' Covid-19 Messages

Simon Case, the UK's top civil servant, has apologized for his 'raw' and 'in-the-moment' WhatsApp messages that criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Downing Street colleagues during the pandemic. He admitted regretting these statements, acknowledging them as expressions of frustration, not a reflection of the genuine response. The Covid-19 inquiry into the UK’s decision-making started in June 2022.

Simon Case, the UK's top civil servant, has apologized for his 'raw' and 'in-the-moment' WhatsApp messages that heavily criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Downing Street colleagues during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to the Covid-19 Inquiry, Mr. Case, who was Johnson's chief adviser at the time, admitted regretting statements such as calling Johnson 'unable to lead' and officials 'pygmies.' He referred to these comments as expressions of frustration and not reflective of the government's genuine pandemic response.

The inquiry into the UK's Covid-19 decision-making began in June 2022 and recently concluded its second module of hearings.

Mr. Case's role during the pandemic and in subsequent controversies involving leaders like Rishi Sunak has been under intense scrutiny.