Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared before a public inquiry to address his government's handling of the Covid crisis. Over the course of two days, Johnson admitted to making some mistakes while defending his overall approach to managing the pandemic.

During his appearance, Johnson faced tough questioning from a committee of MPs regarding the Partygate scandal in March. Despite his combative demeanor, the committee ultimately concluded that he had misled Parliament. However, this time, Johnson took a more measured approach during his testimony.

While there were occasional moments of theatricality, such as when Johnson accused the lead inquiry lawyer of making false comments about him having "his feet up" at his country retreat in February 2020, he later admitted to confusing the remark with someone else. The former prime minister became emotional when discussing the return of the virus after the first national lockdown, describing 2020 as a "tragic, tragic year." He drew on his personal experience of being hospitalized in intensive care due to Covid to emphasize that he did care about the plight of those affected by the disease.

Johnson started his testimony by extending an apology for the pain, loss, and suffering experienced by people during the pandemic. However, his remarks were interrupted by protesters and their subsequent removal from the inquiry room. Outside the inquiry building, there were protests during Johnson's evidence, and as he left the venue on both days, he faced jeers and boos from the crowd.

The main point Johnson sought to convey was that his government had done their "level best" to respond to the virus under challenging circumstances. However, he admitted that he, along with scientists and advisers, should have recognized the seriousness of the disease earlier than they did. He also acknowledged a gender balance issue within his Downing Street operation, stating that "too many meetings were male-dominated." Johnson conceded that mass gatherings should have been banned earlier in 2020 and apologized for previously referring to long Covid as "bollocks" in a handwritten note.

Regarding the toxic work environment allegations, Johnson denied that his No 10 office was a toxic place to work and argued that heated exchanges between advisers were indicative of self-critical individuals striving to do their best. He dismissed messages urging him to sack Health Secretary Matt Hancock, claiming that as prime minister, he faced constant lobbying to dismiss different individuals.

Johnson did mention that he had apologized to former official Helen MacNamara, who accused him of failing to address misogynistic language used about her in a WhatsApp group by his former top adviser Dominic Cummings. The former prime minister described different Covid rules in different parts of the UK as potentially confusing for the public.

Johnson expressed that he had always maintained a "friendly" relationship with then-Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, countering earlier suggestions during the inquiry that No 10 was hesitant to hold meetings with her. He also criticized the tier system in England, indicating that it was divisive and difficult to implement, particularly in terms of negotiating local financial support.

An eye-catching revelation emerged from Johnson's testimony relating to diary extracts from his former chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. Although not directly questioned about alleged remarks about Wales made by Vallance, which pointed to singing and obesity as factors contributing to high infection rates, Johnson did state that he offered counter arguments but ultimately took action to curb the spread of Covid.

As the public inquiry continues, Johnson's testimony provides insights into the decisions and challenges faced by his government during the Covid crisis. The examination of his actions and admissions will shape the overall understanding of how the pandemic was managed in the UK.