Boris Johnson's Controversial COVID-19 Legacy: Accusations and Denials
Boris Johnson faced criticism during his testimony at the Covid inquiry for showing "shocking disrespect" towards bereaved families by claiming it was unfair to expect him to stop parties held by "hard-working" aides in Downing Street during lockdown. He also dismissed media coverage and TV adaptations of the No 10 parties as "absurd" and "a travesty of the truth." Johnson defended his staff, stating they thought they were following the rules and were unfairly maligned. He rejected the idea that he could have done more to prevent the illegal events, arguing that staff did not properly understand the rules and were under intense pressure. Bereaved families and disability organizations expressed anger at his remarks.