WhatsApp Messages Reveal Perception of Carrie Johnson’s Influence During Covid Pandemic
Nadine Dorries remarked that the messages reveal a faction of 'cruel misogynistic aggressors' attempting to 'target Boris through his spouse'.
Government officials were reportedly struck by the perceived influence of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s wife, Carrie Johnson, during the Covid pandemic, according to recently disclosed WhatsApp messages.
The messages exchanged between civil service chief Simon Case and Mr Johnson’s then-communications head, Lee Cain, expose the dysfunction within Downing Street at that time.
In a striking revelation, published by the official Covid inquiry on Friday, Cabinet Secretary Mr Case wrote, “I was always told that Dom [Dominic Cummings] was the secret PM. How wrong they are. I look forward to telling the select committee tomorrow – ‘oh, f*** no, don’t worry about Dom, the real person in charge is Carrie’.”
In another exchange, Mr Case responded to a message from Mr Cain, who had asked, “Wtf are we talking about?”, by saying, “Whatever Carrie cares about, I guess.”
These newly revealed messages also indicate that Mr Case, who was appointed by Mr Johnson, characterised the government as a “terrible, tragic joke”.
The senior civil servant, who took up the role in September 2020 after previously serving as permanent secretary in Number 10, expressed frustration at how the pandemic was being managed within the government, writing that he was “not sure I can cope”.
However, former Culture Secretary and staunch Johnson supporter Nadine Dorries countered, asserting that the messages came from a group of “nasty misogynist bullies who have always tried to get to Boris through his wife”.
In a statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Ms Dorries insisted that Mrs. Johnson “speaks to no one ever” and labelled the allegations against her as part of a “campaign of hate”.
The messages were briefly displayed during Friday’s session of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in London, alongside a letter to the inquiry from then-PM Mr. Johnson’s adviser, Dominic Cummings, which was presented and discussed.
Interesting Robert, that you are one of the first journalists to tweet this crock of nonsense.
Who was it who appointed Case and insisted on him being given the job of Cabinet Secretary…Cummings.
Who worked for Cummings…Caine.
Who wanted Boris out of No 10?…
Who was the… https://t.co/0hobWftr2m— Rt Hon Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) October 13, 2023
“The current inquiry is examining fundamental decision-making processes and political governance within the UK during the pandemic.
Contained within the letter was an email dated July 13, 2020, which Mr. Cummings stated was ‘pertinent to the inquiry regarding issues with the No 10/CabOff (Cabinet Office) setup’.
Mr. Cummings mentioned that it was sent to the Prime Minister, but he did not engage with it in a substantial manner.
The WhatsApp messages were displayed on the screen alongside the email and are believed to be from October 14, 2020.
Mr. Case conveyed, ‘I’m uncertain if I can handle today. Might just head home. Matt just phoned after speaking with the PM. According to Matt (so this is off the record, obviously), the PM has tasked Matt with developing regional circuit breakers for the North (in line with Northern Ireland) today – and to bring forth recommendations. I’m on the verge of exasperation…’
Mr. Cain, who served as Mr. Johnson’s communications director until November 2020, responded, ‘What on earth are we discussing?’
Mr. Case, seemingly alluding to Mr. Johnson’s then-partner, now wife, Carrie Johnson, replied, ‘I suppose it’s whatever Carrie deems important.’
Further down the conversation, Mr. Case commented, ‘This government lacks the credibility necessary to enforce measures just days after deciding not to (spelled as ‘too’ in the original). We appear to be a dismal, lamentable farce. If we were going to take strong action, that decision should have been made weeks ago. I’m finding it difficult to handle this.’
