Boris Johnson left Covid Inquiry in a hurry – he won't want to come back

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Boris Johnson’s hasty departure from the Covid Inquiry indicates his relief at not having to return. The former Prime Minister faced scrutiny over decisions regarding the pandemic’s impact on children. The closure of schools led to lasting effects on school attendance, behavior, and speech and language development among children. The increase in demand for speech and language support, high rates of school absences, and record levels of suspensions and exclusions can all be linked back to the school closures.

When Johnson arrived at the inquiry, he expressed regret over the decision to close schools, describing it as a “personal horror” and a “nightmare idea” that seemed necessary at the time. Despite claims of an absence of planning for school closures prior to the announcement in March 2020, Johnson defended the decision during the inquiry. Conflicting accounts from top officials and ministers highlight the chaotic decision-making processes within the government at the time.

The strained relationship between Johnson and the former Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, further complicates the narrative. Johnson’s leaked messages and Williamson’s expletive-laden rant reveal tensions over the handling of school closures and exam results during the pandemic. The acknowledgment that lockdown measures may have gone too far, with a hindsight view on making children exempt, raises questions about future response strategies in similar circumstances.

As Baroness Heather Hallett, the chair of the inquiry, prepares her final report, the focus remains on the lessons learned and potential areas for improvement in crisis management. The public gallery’s presence and reminders about maintaining decorum during the proceedings underscore the significance of the inquiry. Johnson’s eagerness to conclude his testimony suggests his relief at not having to face further scrutiny

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