The Sunday Times suggests a “chumocracy” rules at the heart of government after finding an influential lobbyist advised health ministers and later sent information about the UK’s coronavirus response to private clients. The paper says George Pascoe-Watson was hired by the Department of Health on 9 April and discussed strategy “daily” with test-and-trace minister Lord Bethell until 7 October. The Sunday Times claims he later sent an email to clients saying he had been “privately advised” about restrictions due to come into force. Mr Pascoe-Watson says he fully declared his private sector role and responsibilities and denies sending information gleaned from calls about test-and-trace to clients.