Simon Case, head of the Civil Service, faced questions about his membership in the all-male Garrick Club, with concerns raised about how it aligns with his commitment to inclusiveness. Case stated that he joined the club to help reform it from within, prompting laughter and further inquiries from other members. The club, which does not allow women, counts judges, lawyers, members of the House of Lords and MPs, academics, actors, rock stars, and senior journalists among its members.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized as "mad and dangerous" by the government's top civil servant, Simon Case, during an inquiry into the government's response to the crisis. Case described Johnson's constant indecision as making it "impossible" to tackle the virus effectively. He also compared Johnson's approach to that of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, known for dismissing the threat of COVID. Johnson's former principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds, also testified, revealing a culture of dysfunctionality and misogyny within the government during the crisis.
Simon Case, the UK's top civil servant, privately expressed doubts about Boris Johnson's ability to lead during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that Johnson "cannot lead" and "changes strategic direction every day." In WhatsApp messages disclosed to the Covid inquiry, Case criticized the former PM's approach and called other ministers "weak." Additionally, a former aide, Imran Shafi, claimed that Johnson questioned why the economy was being destroyed "for people who will die anyway soon." Tensions within the government were revealed through WhatsApps, emails, and diary entries, highlighting difficulties in Downing Street and the lack of coordination during the crisis.
