PM’s ex-aide blames Whitehall staff for Covid ‘mixed messages’

Lee Cain says pandemic exposed a communications system ill equipped for the 21st century

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Boris Johnson's former director of communications has blamed a lack of expertise in Whitehall for the government's struggle to get its message across in the early days of the Covid crisis.

Lee Cain was a key adviser to Johnson, who boasted about shaking hands on a hospital visit, claimed the government could turn the tide" within 12 weeks, and said it would be inhuman" to cancel Christmas, days before ordering millions of people to spend the festive season at home.