They are among the explosive allegations that Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson's former chief adviser, will make to MPs investigating the Government's handling of the epidemic. But Labour will seize on the claims as evidence that Mr Johnson could have done more to save lives. Mr Cummings will also argue that while publicly urging everyone to take the pandemic seriously, privately Mr Johnson downplayed the risks it posed to most people. Mr Cummings will also claim that despite agreeing to order the first lockdown, Mr Johnson later said he regretted having done so. Mr Cummings' extraordinary view is that by delaying a second lockdown, Mr Johnson is responsible for thousands of deaths.

Source: Daily Mail May 25, 2021 21:04 UTC