Boris Johnson’s current demeanor contrasts starkly with his previous lively persona when he led the country through the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Once a popular Prime Minister known for his relatable approach despite a lack of attention to detail, Johnson now faces scrutiny as the Covid-19 Inquiry exposes his government’s shortcomings.
During the recent inquiry session, Johnson acknowledged the delayed realization within his administration regarding the severity of the Covid-19 crisis. Facing relentless questioning from Clair Dobbin KC, Johnson struggled to explain the government’s slow response to prepare for school closures and remote learning, decisions that significantly impacted children’s development, especially those in disadvantaged households.
The inquiry revealed a lack of planning for remote learning in early 2020, leading to abrupt policy shifts in mid-March. Johnson, visibly worn out and diminished, grappled with recalling specific details under Dobbin’s probing. Despite attempts to deflect, Johnson’s evasiveness was met with skepticism from both Dobbin and onlookers in the public gallery.
As Johnson tried to navigate the inquiry, a small audience, some wearing face masks, observed his testimony with stern expressions. The former PM, arriving early to avoid public encounters, faced the raw anger of those affected by his government’s decisions as he left the hearing to cries of “shame on you” and “liar.”
The crowd included parents of children suffering from Long Covid, expressing outrage over the lack of safety measures in schools during the pandemic. With the final verdict on Johnson’s government pending from Chair Baroness Heather Hallett, public sentiment has already turned against him, reflecting widespread discontent with his handling of the crisis and its aftermath.
