Boris Johnson’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis has been likened to a “slow-moving car crash” by Lee Cain, his former director of communications. In a candid discussion on The Independent’s In the Room podcast, Cain reflected on the government’s repeated blunders during the pandemic, illustrating a pattern of misjudgments that plagued Downing Street and hindered effective communication.
Repeated Errors in Crisis Management
Lee Cain, who worked in Downing Street from July 2019 until December 2020, voiced frustration over what he termed as “avoidable” mistakes that consistently troubled the communications team. He emphasised that these blunders became particularly evident at the onset of the pandemic, leaving officials exasperated. “It was just a slow-moving car crash,” Cain remarked, noting that the government’s failure to learn from its mistakes was a recurring theme.
During his tenure, Johnson’s administration faced significant criticism for numerous policy reversals. The Prime Minister notably dismissed the necessity of a second national lockdown in mid-October 2020, branding Sir Keir Starmer’s calls for action as “the height of absurdity.” However, only weeks later, on 5 November, the country was plunged into a second lockdown.
Humiliating U-Turns and Policy Confusion
Johnson’s leadership was marked by abrupt policy shifts that often left the public in disbelief. For instance, parents were encouraged to send their children back to school in January 2021, only for the Prime Minister to announce the closure of all schools in England later that same day. Such inconsistencies contributed to a sense of chaos during an already tumultuous period.
One of the most notable U-turns occurred in August 2020 when the government scrapped plans to use a controversial algorithm to determine A-level results, following widespread uproar and distress among students and parents alike. Cain acknowledged the government’s struggle to communicate effectively, stating, “It was just bonkers because it was so avoidable.”
The Early Days of the Pandemic
Reflecting on the early days of the pandemic, Cain described discussions within No 10 about keeping pubs and bars open while advising against visiting them—a plan he believed originated from Johnson himself. He cautioned that such an approach was untenable, predicting that it would lead to another swift U-turn. “I said, ‘This won’t last 24 hours,’” he recalled, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
He lamented the lack of foresight within the government, where leaders often seemed bewildered by the outcomes of their decisions. “Boris would lament the whole thing and say, ‘Well, how did we get in this idea? I never thought of – I didn’t want to do this,’” Cain recounted, underscoring the disarray that characterised the administration’s response.
Why it Matters
The revelations from Lee Cain present a stark picture of the challenges faced by Boris Johnson’s government during the Covid-19 crisis. As the public grapples with the long-term consequences of these decisions, it underscores the critical importance of effective governance and communication in times of national emergency. The legacy of these missteps not only affects public trust but also sets a precedent for how future crises may be managed, making it essential for leaders to learn from the past.
