Boris Johnson says he will give direct WhatsApps to Covid Inquiry in headache for Sunak

In a bold challenge to Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister says he is not ready to become a "test case" after the government sought judicial review and refused to deliver on unedited posts

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Government seeks judicial review of Covid inquiry request for Johnson documents

The defiant Boris Johnson has created a new headache for Rishi Sunak by saying he will provide his WhatsApps and notepads directly to the Covid-19 inquiry - despite government legal action.

It's another blow to the ailing Prime Minister's authority as the row over Westminster's decision to launch a judicial review escalates.

Ministers fear allowing Baroness Heather Hallett – who is leading the inquiry – access to unedited documents could embarrass key government figures.

It would also set a huge precedent for future investigations - but Mr Johnson says he is not ready to become a 'test case'.

In the latest twist in the long saga, Mr Johnson said he would demand his equipment be returned to him by the Cabinet Office so that he could hand it over himself if he refused to do so.< /p>

This is a challenge that Rishi Sunak could do without (
Picture:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
In a letter to Baroness Hallett, the former Prime Minister wrote: 'The Government decided yesterday to take legal action.

"It was not my decision to do so. While I understand the government's position, I am not prepared to allow my material to become a test for others when I am perfectly see it.

"I therefore provide the material directly at your request today in unredacted form."

Mr. Johnson said he would ask the Cabinet Office to retrieve his unredacted notebooks and share them with the Covid inquiry if the government refused to do so.

He wrote: "I no longer have physical access to my notebooks as they have been removed from my desk by the Cabinet Office.

"I have asked the Cabinet Office to pass them on to you. If the government decides not to, I will ask for them to be sent back to my office so that I can provide them direct to you."
What did the Covid survey ask?

Politics Jun 3, 2023 0 60 Add to Reading List

Boris Johnson says he will give direct WhatsApps to Covid Inquiry in headache for Sunak

In a bold challenge to Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister says he is not ready to become a "test case" after the government sought judicial review and refused to deliver on unedited posts

Video loading

Video not available

Click to playTap to play

Government seeks judicial review of Covid inquiry request for Johnson documents

The defiant Boris Johnson has created a new headache for Rishi Sunak by saying he will provide his WhatsApps and notepads directly to the Covid-19 inquiry - despite government legal action.

It's another blow to the ailing Prime Minister's authority as the row over Westminster's decision to launch a judicial review escalates.

Ministers fear allowing Baroness Heather Hallett – who is leading the inquiry – access to unedited documents could embarrass key government figures.

It would also set a huge precedent for future investigations - but Mr Johnson says he is not ready to become a 'test case'.

In the latest twist in the long saga, Mr Johnson said he would demand his equipment be returned to him by the Cabinet Office so that he could hand it over himself if he refused to do so.< /p>

That's a challenge Rishi Sunak could do without

This is a challenge that Rishi Sunak could do without (

Picture:

POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In a letter to Baroness Hallett, the former Prime Minister wrote: 'The Government decided yesterday to take legal action.

"It was not my decision to do so. While I understand the government's position, I am not prepared to allow my material to become a test for others when I am perfectly see it.

"I therefore provide the material directly at your request today in unredacted form."

Mr. Johnson said he would ask the Cabinet Office to retrieve his unredacted notebooks and share them with the Covid inquiry if the government refused to do so.

He wrote: "I no longer have physical access to my notebooks as they have been removed from my desk by the Cabinet Office.

"I have asked the Cabinet Office to pass them on to you. If the government decides not to, I will ask for them to be sent back to my office so that I can provide them direct to you."

What did the Covid survey ask?