WhatsApp messages sent at the height of COVID paint a picture of how senior officials really felt about the government’s handling of the pandemic.
The exchanges have been shared as part of the COVID inquiryamid criticism that major decision-making may have happened over WhatsApp rather than through normal processes.
But not all the messages sent will be seen by the inquiry. A senior civil servant turned on a “disappearing message function” on a group chat titled “PM Updates” on 15 April 2021 – but told the inquiry he could not remember why.
Cabinet Office is ‘terrifyingly s***’ – Dominic Cummings
On 12 March 2020, Dominic Cummings – former chief adviser to Boris Johnson – texts the prime minister saying: “We’ve got big problems coming – CABOFF (Cabinet Office) is terrifyingly s***, no plans, totally behind the pace.”
“We must announce TODAY – not next week – ‘if feel ill with cold/flu stay home’,” he adds.
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“Some CABOFF want delay cos [sic] haven’t done the work and don’t work weekends.”
PM ‘melting down’ and going into ‘Jaws mode’
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Mr Cummings sent a series of messages to Lee Cain, the Downing Street director of communications, from inside a meeting with Mr Johnson and Rishi Sunak.
He says the prime minister was “melting down” and going into “Jaws mode”.
By that he meant Mr Johnson was acting like the mayor in the film Jaws, who thinks the beaches should be kept open despite shark attacks.
“I’ve had to sit here for 2 hours just to stop him saying stupid s***,” Mr Cummings says.
He adds later: “It’s only a matter of time before his babbling exposes fact he doesn’t know what to say.”
Image: WhatsApp messages presented during Lee Cain’s appearance at the Covid inquiry
Boris Johnson ‘cannot lead’, cabinet secretary says
In one particularly disparaging message from September 2020, cabinet secretary Simon Case says Mr Johnson “cannot lead and we cannot support him in leading with this approach”.
Mr Case tells the WhatsApp group, which includes Mr Cummings, “I am at the end of my tether”.
“He changes strategic direction every day (Monday we were all about fear of virus returning as per Europe, March etc – today we’re in ‘let it rip’ mode cos (sic) the UK is pathetic, needs a cold shower etc.)
“He cannot lead and we cannot support him in leading with this approach.
“The team captain cannot change the call on the big plays every day. The team can’t deliver anything under these circumstances.”
Image: Messages between Simon Case and Dominic Cummings shared with the COVID inquiry
Mr Case goes on to admonish a “weak team”, appearing to name former health secretary Matt Hancock and former education secretary Gavin Williamson, saying we “definitely cannot succeed in these circs (sic). IT HAS TO STOP!”.
He adds: “Decide and set direction – deliver – explain. Gov’t isn’t actually that hard but this guy is really making it impossible.”
Mr Cummings replies: “Totally agree, am getting lots of despairing messages from people in [meetings] with him.”
“And he’s careering around on WhatsApp as usual creating chaos and undermining everybody.”
‘We look like a terrible, tragic joke’
At another point in the WhatsApp group, Mr Cummings says: “As always, discussions with these ministers is moronic.
“They cannot understand priorities.”
Later in the conversation, Mr Case says the government “doesn’t have the credibility needed to be imposing stuff within only days of deciding not to”.
“We look like a terrible, tragic joke.”
Mr Cain, the Downing Street director of communications, responds with a trolley emoji.
Mr Cummings told the inquiry Mr Johnson was described as an indecisive “trolley” by “pretty much everyone”, a reference to his habit of veering from one decision to another.
Image: Messages between Simon Case and Lee Cain shared with the COVID inquiry
Boris Johnson asks if government ‘believes in long COVID’
In February 2021, Mr Johnson wrote in a WhatsApp message: “Do we really believe in long COVID? Why can’t we hedge it more? I bet it’s complete Gulf War Syndrome stuff.”
Four months prior, he had described the condition as “b*******”, writing that comment in a document next to a description of the symptoms.
Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie was ‘real person in charge’
In messages understood to have been from 14 October 2020, Mr Case writes: “Am not sure I can cope with today.”
In a discussion about the prime minister’s instructions about regional “circuit breaker” lockdowns with former health secretary Matt Hancock, Mr Case says “I am going to scream”.
Mr Cain replies: “Wtf are we talking about.”
Responding, in an apparent reference to Mr Johnson’s partner Carrie Johnson, Mr Case says: “Whatever Carrie cares about, I guess.”
He adds: “I was always told that Dom [Dominic Cumming] was the secret PM. How wrong they are. I look forward to telling select cttee tomorrow – ‘oh, f*** no, don’t worry about Dom, the real person in charge is Carrie’.”
In the same series of messages, Mr Cain says: “Also she doesn’t know wtf she is talking about either. Jesus.”
Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, after Alessia Russo scored an equaliser to send the game to a shootout.
Nowhere was the roar for the Lionesses louder than in the Astley and Tyldesley Miners Welfare club on the outskirts of Manchester.
The club where a five-year-old Ella Toone started her journey to England stardom, like so many places across the country, hosted nail-biting, table-thumping and, ultimately, deafening watch parties.
The roof almost came off the clubhouse when Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty went in.
Red bucket hats emblazoned with Toone’s now-famous ‘Buzzing My Head Off’ catchphrase were thrown in the air.
“Absolutely ecstatic,” said Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, who runs the pathway development for women and girls at the club.
“I was very nervous, very worried about penalties but we did it in the end.”
The success of the Lionesses has driven a huge boom in the popularity of women’s and girls football in recent years. She hopes this win will have a similar effect.
“I hope it cements the girls who are already here, keeps them engaged, and I hope it brings more girls down who want to be footballers and see that it’s open for everybody.”
It had been a pretty sombre watch for much of the game after Spain took the lead – but it erupted into life after Alessia Russo’s equaliser.
The shootout was the usual emotional rollercoaster but young fans seem to have greater faith in the Lionesses.
Among the jubilant teenagers celebrating in the clubhouse were two who have followed Toone’s path to academies at professional clubs.
“It’s unbelievable, they’re amazing, Chloe Kelly, I just don’t know what to say about her,” said Natasha Greenhouse. “We knew if it went to penalties that they’d do it.”
Tamsin Gallagher said: “They’ve done it the hard way all the way through the Euros but we all believed in them. Come on England.”
The party in Manchester and around the country and only just begun.
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‘I am so incredibly proud’
Prince William and Princess Charlotte, who were in attendance at St Jakob-Park in Basel, added on social media: “What a game!
“Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.”
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In a post on the official Royal Family account on X, King Charles also sent his “most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025” to the Lionesses.
“For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’,” he said.
“As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.
“For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.”
The monarch ended his statement by saying “the next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.”
Reform UK’s Nigel Farage said “well done” to the team and “what an absolutely fantastic watch,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “What an achievement. What a team!”
A man has died after suffering cardiac arrest onboard a boat attempting to reach the UK.
The vessel turned back towards Equihen beach on the French coast yesterday morning.
A nurse tried to resuscitate the man but was unsuccessful.
Image: Pic: PA
French authorities have now launched an investigation into the circumstances.
A spokesperson for Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, has criticised authorities on both sides of the Channel.
Jacob Burns said: “Yet again we have a tragedy in the Channel, that is the consequence of the deadly, costly and ineffective security policies implemented by the UK and France.”
Image: Pic: PA
Later on Saturday, a lifeboat carried migrants who have made the voyage into the Port of Dover.
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Photographs showed them huddled under blankets and orange life jackets on board.
“The opportunity of tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” the England captain said. “I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it and how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.”
So often they were only watching other nations making finals.
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England’s first was the men winning the 1966 World Cup.
Image: England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to defeat against Spain at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. Pic: Reuters
Image: Lauren James looks dejected after their World Cup defeat, but is confirmed fit for Sunday’s revenge match against Spain. Pic: Reuters
Now, in Basel, comes the chance for revenge against Spain – even though no one in the England camp is saying that, publicly at least, in Switzerland.
Especially knowing how challenging a task it is coming up again against Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putella – the recent winners of football’s biggest individual honours.
Image: England fans celebrating after England beat Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image: Given England’s history against Spain, it could be a nerve-wracking time for England fans. File pic: Action Images/Reuters
But this is Spain’s first Euros final.
And there is some fear from the world champions at England’s grit and resolve to produce comebacks late in the quarter-finals and semi-finals – with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang’s goals integral to the fightbacks.
Image: England celebrate their semi-final win against Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image: Michelle Agyemang has propelled England to the Euro 2025 final with two vital goals. Pic: AP
Spain captain Irene Paredes reflected yesterday on how the Lionesses can flip a result late on.
But she was also discussing how their World Cup win was tarnished by the on-pitch kiss that led to former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales being convicted of a sexual assault on striker Jenni Hermoso.
It sparked a wider clamour in Spain for improved rights and respect for women.
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Spain’s players struggle for respect
“Since then [2023] we took big steps forward,” Paredes said.
“I think this idea is disappearing from society. I still believe we have to continue opening doors… we’re a reference for boys and girls in society, but we still have things to do.”
It is a reminder that while tonight is about collecting silverware, both England and Spain know that emerging as champions can drive further growth in women’s football back home.
Amid it all, they’ll try to savour just what reaching a final means and how rare they are – until recently for English and Spanish women.