The Tories' messy legal battle with the Covid inquiry could cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds - despite a minister admitting the Government is likely to lose.
The estimate from a legal expert comes after Rishi Sunak launched a judicial review to block requests from the inquiry chairwoman to hand over unredacted WhatsApp messages.
Baroness Heather Hallett's demand relates to messages between ex-PM Boris Johnson and dozens of officials during the pandemic, including Mr Sunak and cabinet ministers.