The Government has lost its legal challenge against the Covid Inquiry over its demands for Boris Johnson’s unredacted WhatsApp messages, notebooks and diaries.

Lord Justice Dingemans and Mr Justice Garnham refused the Cabinet Office permission to appeal Batherness Heather Hallett’s order that it hand over the messages.

It sought judicial review claiming the request is “so broad” that it is “bound to catch” a large amount of irrelevant material.

Lawyers for the department argued the inquiry does not have the legal power to force ministers to release messages and records it claims cover matters “unconnected to the Government’s handling of Covid”.

Lady Hallett contended the Cabinet Office’s position “undermines” her ability to carry out the inquiry properly and would have “serious implications” for all public inquiries.

This is a breaking news story.