Will Sunak speed up Covid Inquiry?

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SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS March 02, 2023 View in browser Hello there, I'm Adam Forrest and welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter.   Everyone in Westminster is asking the same thing: why on earth did Matt Hancock trust Isabel Oakeshott? The leaked WhatsApp exchanges about the decision not to test those into care homes sparked an astonishing war of words with The Telegraph, with Hancock's camp accusing the paper of "doctoring" messages.   Oakeshott says Hancock sent her a "menacing message" after publication. The latest messages appear to show Hancock attempted to bypass the education secretary Gavin Williamson to have schools shut down in December 2020.   Rishi Sunak is now under pressure to speed up the Covid Inquiry's public hearings – not scheduled until June – so the he-said, she-said can be assessed in a suitable forum. Inside the bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for today:   Schools minister Nick Gibb is doing the morning media round. But he may struggle to compete for attention with Isabel Oakeshott, who will be explaining why she betrayed Matt Hancock. Rishi Sunak has asked Tory MPs to join him for an away in Windsor to discuss election tactics. Boris Johnson is giving a speech at the Global Soft Power summit at 12 noon. From March 13, our Inside Politics newsletter will no longer be sent out. Instead, readers will start receiving our other politics newsletter, View from Westminster. If you  do not want to receive View from Westminster, please opt-out by clicking here before 10 March. Daily briefing Sunak under pressure to speed up Covid inquiry The PM was urged to fast-track public hearings, as a war of words erupted over Matt Hancock's leaked WhatsApp messages. Hancock in clash over keeping schools open Matt Hancock was also involved in a bitter behind-the-scenes clash with Gavin Williamson to keep schools open during Covid Boris comeback dealt bitter blow by Brexit deal Allies of the ex-PM said he knew he could not lead a rebellion if they was not one to lead. It would "look silly" with only 10 to 15 people, they said. Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. Most commented Articles driving the biggest conversations David Frost begrudgingly backs Sunak's 'bitter pill' Brexit deal Essential reading Tom Peck, The Independent: Matt Hancock is the gift that keeps on giving Caryn Franklin, The Independent: I faced the sack at the BBC because I looked 'old' Anand Menon, The Guardian: How do you keep a Brexit coalition going when you've got Brexit done? Madeline Grant, The Telegraph: The Tories may have narrow path to victory We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email.   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email, please unsubscribe. If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.