Michael Gove is set to give evidence to the Covid Inquiry today, alongside Professor Dame Jenny Harries, the former deputy chief medical officer for England. 

Mr Gove was chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in the Cabinet Office throughout the pandemic, and had a front row view of decision-making in No 10. 

Their appearance comes a day after the Inquiry heard that Matt Hancock, the former health secretary, knew that Tier 3 restrictions would not work when he imposed them on Greater Manchester. 

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, accused the Government of administering a “punishment beating” for the city in late 2020, following an argument over financial support for residents who were unable to work because of the restrictions.

Quoting from written evidence from Mr Hancock, Mr Burnham said: “He says in his evidence about Tier 3, ‘I was in despair that we had announced a policy that we knew would not work.”

Follow the latest developments below.