Boris Johnson could face legal proceedings following a devastating report from the official Covid-19 inquiry, which found that government inaction under his leadership may have led to tens of thousands of preventable deaths.
Damning Findings from the Hallett Report
The inquiry, led by Baroness Heather Hallett, delivered a scathing assessment of the former Prime Minister's handling of the early stages of the pandemic. The report concluded that thousands of lives could have been spared with an earlier lockdown. It specifically highlighted that delays and a toxic culture within Number 10 directly contributed to the UK's high death toll.
Most strikingly, the inquiry estimated that inaction by Boris Johnson's government may have resulted in 23,000 excess deaths. The report, published on Friday 21 November 2025, systematically detailed the failures in preparedness and response that characterised the government's approach.
Bereaved Families Demand Accountability
In response to the findings, the group Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK announced they are actively considering legal action against the former Prime Minister. They are demanding full accountability for the decisions that they believe cost their loved ones' lives.
One bereaved daughter stated publicly that she holds Boris Johnson responsible for her mother's death, encapsulating the raw anger and grief felt by many who lost family members during the pandemic. The group is not only seeking legal redress but is also calling for Johnson to be barred from holding any future public office.
Political Fallout and Tory Divisions
The report has exposed deep divisions within the Conservative Party. While some figures have acknowledged shortcomings, senior Tories have launched a fierce defence of the government's record.
Former minister Nadine Dorries challenged the report's credibility, describing its conclusions as 'sensationalist' and publicly denying its accuracy. In contrast, Michael Gove offered a partial apology, admitting that 'mistakes' were made, but simultaneously defended the overall government effort during an unprecedented crisis.
As of the report's publication, Boris Johnson himself has not issued any public comment on the inquiry's damning conclusions, leaving a significant silence at the centre of the political storm.
