Simon Case was due speak to the inquiry lastyear about his role running the civil service during the pandemic, but had towithdraw in October over health issues. Although he has not yet given evidence in person, Case hasalready come up in the inquiry through published WhatsApp messages. In messages from September2020, the inquiry heard and "changes strategic direction everyday".
We won’t be covering today's inquiry appearance with regular text updates but if you’d like to hear what he has to say, clickthe button at the top of this page. Simon Case’s role asthe prime minister’s chief adviser came under heavy scrutiny last year,as Rishi Sunak faced a series of controversies and scandals in which Case’srole was questioned. These included thearrangement of an £800,000 credit facility to Boris Johnson and questions over what he knew about an HMRC investigation into Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs.
To his allies, Case isconsidered to be a highly effective civil servant with a firm grasp on hisduties. But Case’s critics accusehim of failing to robustly challenge the PMs he has worked for. His role in thepandemic is particularly controversial, after he had to withdraw fromthe initial investigation into the Partygate scandal after it emerged that an event breachinglockdown rules was hosted in his office.
Read more about whyCase’s role has . Simon Case isthe head of the civil service, which makes him probably the most important unelectedperson in politics. The cabinet secreta.
