https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="đŸ’„" title="Collision symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Collision symbol"> The coronavirus blame game has begun

As Boris Johnson and his government struggle with testing, ventilators and exit strategy, ministers and MPs are turning their fire on the civil service - and Mark Sedwill in particular

My latest with @GeorgeWParker https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
Multiple ministers, officials and aides told the FT that the No10’s political team and Sir Mark have fallen out over the handle of the crisis.

Downing Street insiders say there& #39;s
"growing anger” at his alleged “inability to execute what needs to be done” https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
One No10 insider criticised Sir Mark& #39;s manner: “He& #39;s very rude, short-tempered and old-school hierarchical.”

The atmosphere is said to be toxic. “It& #39;s fucking tense in there,” said one Conservative official. https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
Criticism of Sir Mark’s leadership in this crisis has come from other civil servants too, who point to his relative lack of domestic experience.

"People are saying that Jeremy Heywood would have handled things differently,” one senior Whitehall figure. https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
But Cabinet Office insiders say these allegations are “utter tosh” and said “people are shit-stirring”.

A spokesperson said "There is no truth to this. The cabinet secretary and PM are working in lockstep.” https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
Cabinet ministers are also targeting their ire at NHS/PHE leadership for the lack of testing:

"The NHS bureaucracy is something to behold. The conversations have been pure ‘Thick of It’. They’re proud of their independence and won’t yield for anyone." https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="đŸ’„" title="Collision symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Collision symbol"> Other senior Conservatives are blaming the political team in No10 for the chaos, not the civil service.

One well placed Tory accuses those advising the prime minister as "inexperienced, unpleasant and naive” https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
On the team around Mr Johnson: “There is a lot of tension in there because they realised they are desperately trying to make up ground,” one senior Tory said - suggesting they "wasted a lot of time” by pursuing a herd immunity strategy. https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
In defence of the No10 team, one insider said “this is an unprecedented global health crisis and everyone is focused fully on delivering the best possible response.”

Also worth noting many officials have been off sick over the last fortnight. https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="đŸ’„" title="Collision symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Collision symbol"> Final target for the circular firing squad is Mr Johnson.

One Tory MP said: "I’m worried he is isolated, unwell and isn’t receiving good advice.”

Another said he looked “dire” and claimed there were fears in the party that “he doesn’t have a grip”. https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
Ally of Mr Johnson defends the PM:

"Everyone is trying their best and he’s not in trouble yet. But the next few weeks are going to be very tough for all of us. It will get worse and he’ll need all the support he can get.” https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc">https://www.ft.com/content/b...
With Johnson under fire, blame game begins over virus crisis

Media criticism intensifies after disclosure that only 2,000 NHS staff have been tested

https://www.ft.com/content/b7277a55-387b-4529-85af-54c7a691b0cc
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