His WhatsApp messages look embarrassing and chaotic, but such leaks could do genuine harm to political debate
Matt Hancock may be a complete idiot, but even idiots have rights. As the former health secretary charts his uncertain retreat from politics, he must suffer piles of ordure heaped on his head. Someone leaks CCTV footage of an office embrace to the Sun. Then his ghostwriter breaks a non-disclosure agreement not to divulge his private messages. Cue intense embarrassment to the image and reputation of the British government.
Any big organisation facing an unforeseen crisis is likely to show signs of disarray and panic. In the spring of 2020, Covid-19 presented European governments with agonising decisions. Scientists disagreed with each other. Politicians pitted ideology against expediency. Britain’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, succumbed to the disease and decisions became chaotic. Judging by the recent leaks, it appears that business was conducted in chance meetings, on phone calls and, bizarrely, on WhatsApp.
Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist
