The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world in ways few of us could have imagined. It brought fear, uncertainty, and sacrifice into the daily lives of millions. For the average Briton, the government-imposed lockdowns meant shuttered businesses, missed weddings, unattended funerals, and months of isolation from loved ones. We stayed home, clapped for the NHS, and followed rules that often felt draconian because we were told it was the right thing to do. Yet, while we complied, it emerged that those in power—the very architects of these rules—were living a very different reality.
As the Tory government implemented restrictions, the public endured severe limitations. Daily walks became our sole source of fresh air and exercise. Supermarkets turned into anxiety-inducing spaces where arrows on the floor dictated our movements and shortages of essentials became the norm. Masks, once an alien concept, became mandatory, and gatherings of any size were curtailed. We queued for hours at supermarkets, often in freezing weather, standing two metres apart, and adhered to strict one-way systems. Meanwhile, courts closed, delaying justice for many, and countless people saw critical medical procedures, treatments, and operations postponed or cancelled altogether. Meanwhile, the government’s televised briefings were replete with solemn warnings about the gravity of the situation and the necessity of compliance.
Yet, behind the doors of Downing Street and other government offices, a different story unfolded. Reports of illicit gatherings, complete with wine and laughter, surfaced—first as rumours, then as full-fledged scandals. The stark disparity between the sacrifices of ordinary people and the behaviour of the political elite exposed a hypocrisy that many found difficult to stomach.
The Public’s Sacrifices
For many, the pandemic was a period of profound loss. Weddings, meticulously planned and long-awaited, were postponed or cancelled. Couples hoping to celebrate their love settled instead for quiet ceremonies over Zoom. Funerals became stark and impersonal affairs, with numbers limited and family members separated by screens or unable to attend altogether. Parents struggled to balance work-from-home demands with homeschooling their children. Healthcare workers, teachers, delivery drivers, and countless others worked tirelessly on the front lines, risking their own safety to keep society afloat.
In some cases, people were denied the chance to say goodbye to dying loved ones. Hospital wards were sealed off, care homes shut their doors, and rules were enforced without exception. These experiences left deep scars on the nation’s psyche. A mother was unable to hold her son’s hand as he passed away. A father barred from comforting his child in their final moments. Families torn apart, clinging to the hope that following the rules would help bring an end to the crisis.
The lockdowns also took a toll on mental health. Isolation and loneliness became the norm for millions. Anxiety soared as financial insecurity gripped households. Key workers faced burnout, often without adequate support or resources. And yet, through all this, the majority of the public followed the rules, driven by a sense of collective responsibility.
Parties at Downing Street
In stark contrast to the sacrifices made by ordinary people, revelations about the behaviour of those in government painted a picture of entitlement and disregard. Reports began trickling in during 2021 that, while the country remained under strict lockdown, Downing Street staff were hosting gatherings that flouted their own rules. These were not small, incidental breaches. Photographs and testimonies described a culture of regular socialising, with wine bottles reportedly wheeled into Number 10 in a suitcase.
The infamous “bring your own booze” email sent to over 100 staff members epitomised the audacity of the situation. This gathering, held in May 2020, took place during a period when outdoor meetings between more than two people were strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, thousands were saying goodbye to loved ones via video calls, and the NHS was stretched to its limits.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s response to the allegations was marked by denial and obfuscation. Initial claims that all rules had been followed quickly unravelled as evidence mounted. Johnson later apologised, but his assurances that he had only briefly attended these events or was unaware of their nature were met with widespread scepticism. The damage to public trust was profound.
Lucrative Contracts and Cronyism
While the government’s lockdown breaches were shocking, another scandal of the pandemic was the allocation of lucrative contracts to well-connected individuals and companies. The need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other pandemic supplies created an urgent market, and the government’s procurement processes came under intense scrutiny.
Investigations revealed that billions of pounds in contracts were awarded without competitive tendering, often to companies with little or no relevant experience. A “VIP lane” was established, allowing firms recommended by ministers, MPs, or government officials to fast-track their applications. Many of these contracts failed to deliver usable products, leading to wastage of public funds on an extraordinary scale.
One notable example was the contract awarded to a company specialising in pest control, which was tasked with supplying medical gowns. Another involved a company owned by the former neighbour of Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Meanwhile, smaller businesses and experienced suppliers struggled to secure government contracts despite having the necessary expertise and capacity.
The revelations of cronyism underscored a culture of favouritism at the heart of government. At a time when the nation was united in sacrifice, these actions highlighted a glaring disconnect between the public and those in power.
Public Reaction
As details of the Downing Street parties and procurement scandals emerged, public anger was palpable. Social media became a battleground of indignation, with hashtags like #Partygate trending for weeks. People shared personal stories of loss and hardship, juxtaposing their experiences with the behaviour of the political elite. The sense of betrayal was profound; it felt as though the sacrifices of ordinary people had been mocked.
Public protests erupted, with demonstrators calling for accountability and resignations. The scandals also had a significant impact on political discourse. Opposition parties seized the opportunity to criticise the government’s handling of the pandemic, while Conservative backbenchers grew increasingly restless. The issue of integrity became a focal point in debates about leadership and governance.
Attempts at Accountability
The fallout from these scandals led to a series of enquiries and investigations. The Metropolitan Police launched probes into the alleged lockdown breaches, issuing fines to some individuals, including Boris Johnson himself. The Sue Gray report, a civil servant-led inquiry, laid bare the extent of rule-breaking within government circles. It described a “serious failure” of leadership and judgement and called for changes to workplace culture within Downing Street.
Despite these measures, many felt that true accountability remained elusive. Johnson’s eventual resignation as Prime Minister in 2022 was influenced by a range of factors, including the Partygate scandal, but it was not seen as a direct consequence of public outrage. For many the perception lingered that those in power could act with impunity.
Lessons Learned
The COVID-19 pandemic was a period of collective trauma and resilience. It highlighted the best and worst of human behaviour, from the heroism of front-line workers to the entitlement of some in power. The disparities between the sacrifices made by the public and the actions of government officials underscored the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership.
Looking back, the question remains: how can we prevent such disparities in the future? Strengthening transparency in government processes, reforming procurement systems, and ensuring robust checks on those in power are essential steps. Equally important is fostering a political culture that prioritises public service over personal gain.
As we continue to navigate a post-pandemic world, the memory of those sacrifices—and the lessons learnt from the scandals that accompanied them—must remain at the forefront of our collective consciousness. We owe it to those who suffered, those who lost, and those who persevered to demand better from those who govern us.
“You would not believe what we did”
The phrase “You would not believe what we did” encapsulates the surreal, often contradictory experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. It speaks to the resilience and sacrifices of the British public, juxtaposed with the arrogance and hypocrisy of some in positions of power. While the actions of the Tory government during this period may have eroded trust, they also serve as a stark reminder of the importance of holding leaders to account. As a nation, we must channel our anger and disillusionment into action, ensuring that such betrayals are never repeated.
