Allegations of 'Dr Death'

A senior government scientist has allegedly branded Rishi Sunak as "Dr Death" for his role in the 'Eat Out to Help Out' restaurant scheme during the Covid crisis. The remark was made in a WhatsApp message shown to the Covid inquiry.

'Eat Out to Help Out' Scheme in Question

Prof Dame Angela McClean, in her message to fellow expert Prof John Edmunds, referred to Mr Sunak as "Dr Death." This comment is believed to be linked to the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme, which offered discounts to diners during the summer of 2020 after the first lockdown.

Fueling the Spread

Research has suggested that the scheme may have fueled the spread of the virus, leading to a bigger and deadlier wave in the winter. Prof Edmunds stated that the scheme "encouraged people to take an epidemiological risk."

Rishi Sunak's Role

Rishi Sunak became Chancellor just a month before the country went into lockdown in 2020. However, he resigned from his position on July 5, 2022, citing the need for competent and serious governance.