“Messaging between Hancock and colleagues shows ego-filled politicians are out of their depth”

Those who have lost loved ones to Covid will read these revelations with rage and disbelief. These messages must be examined in detail by the Covid Inquiry, who must report as soon as possible

Matt Hancock speaks during a virtual press conference at 10 Downing Street in February 2021 (

Image: Getty Images)

Relatives of those who died of Covid have had to fight for a public inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic.

They wanted to know why more was not being done to protect the vulnerable, why nursing homes were being turned into death traps, and why billions were wasted on faulty PPE.

The WhatsApp messages between Matt Hancock and his colleagues and officials provide a partial account of the government's response to the pandemic, but they still show politicians filled with terribly overwhelmed egos.

The former health secretary disputes the claims, but it appears ministers ignored advice on testing in care homes. As residents died by the thousands, Mr Hancock pleaded with his ex-boss George Osborne, then a newspaper editor, for positive media coverage.

And when there was a lack of testing, special treatment was given to Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg so his son could be tested.

Those who have lost loved ones to Covid will read these revelations with rage and disbelief. These messages must be examined in detail by the Covid Inquiry, who must report as soon as possible.

Then officials can be held accountable before they leave Westminster to line their pockets and boost their media careers.

Budget choice

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has a choice in this month's budget: help families pay their energy bills or leave millions more people in fuel poverty.

If nothing is done, the average household bill will rise by £900 in April as the government ends the £400 winter rebate and lifts the energy price cap by £900...