The official inquiry into the UK's Covid-19 pandemic has concluded that Dominic Cummings 'poisoned the atmosphere' of Boris Johnson's Downing Street, contributing to a toxic and macho culture that hampered the government's response. The report from the inquiry's second module states that Cummings 'materially contributed to the toxic and sexist workplace culture at the heart of the UK government' and used 'offensive, sexualised and misogynistic language'.
The inquiry found that Johnson, as prime minister, 'at times actively encouraged' this chaotic culture, reinforcing an environment where 'the loudest voices prevailed and the views of other colleagues, particularly women, often went ignored'. It says Johnson 'did not seek to restrain or control Mr Cummings, nor did he exercise proper leadership in rectifying the toxic and chaotic culture'.
Cummings is accused of making 'key decisions in 10 Downing Street which were for the prime minister to make', an arrangement with which Johnson was content. His behaviour 'contributed significantly to a culture of fear, mutual suspicion and distrust', the report says, undermining the prime minister's authority.
The report is also highly critical of Johnson, describing him as terminally indecisive and prone to 'oscillation' that made decisions slow and inconsistent. It notes that in autumn 2020, as a second wave grew, 'Mr Johnson repeatedly changed his mind on whether to introduce tougher restrictions and failed to make timely decisions', enabling the virus to spread.
While the inquiry does not delve deeply into rule-breaking, it notes that Cummings' infamous drive to Barnard Castle 'undermined public confidence in decision-making and significantly increased the risk of the public failing to adhere to measures designed to protect the population'.
