Coronavirus: The blame game in Westminster has truly begun

Even by the usual standards, we are seeing an unedifying exhibition of base politics, writes Sean O’Grady

Demerit badge? Matt Hancock has questions to answer (PA)

Before the judge has been appointed, before the public inquiry has had its remit set, and long before the crisis is over, the blame has begun. Various unnamed officials “close to Downing Street” and the like have begun to get their excuses in early, and to identify handy scapegoats. Even by the usual leaky and cowardly standards of Whitehall it has been an unedifying exhibition of base politics.

The latest victim of assassination by briefing is the secretary of state for health and social care, Matt Hancock. A former Treasury special adviser to George Osborne, and a former Tory leadership contender, the ambitious Mr Hancock had enjoyed a good start to the crisis, or at least appeared to. He had an action plan. He had impressive expert advisers flanking him at press conferences – the two gentlemen of corona, chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance. He was chairing Cobra meetings. The government would be guided by “the science”. Things seemed under control.

Then it all went wrong. The science changed, or the advice did. The lockdown arrived, late. The shortages of ventilators, PPE and tests grew ever more acute. The media demanded answers, deadlines, dates.