Sunak’s Covid decisions tell us how he might act now. It doesn’t look good for the NHS

Then Chancellor Rishi Sunak placing an ‘Eat out to help out’ sticker in the window of No 11 Downing Street, 21 December 2020. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

It’s easy to feel we’ve moved on from the politics of the pandemic now the disease plays less of a role in our lives, and with other crises having since emerged. But the UK Covid inquiry and the privileges committee investigation into Partygate – which will be hearing evidence from Boris Johnson next month – act as a reminder that the decisions made in that period still matter, and that those involved in them should still be held accountable.

The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, rose to prominence during the pandemic as chancellor, and played a crucial role in decisions around lockdowns and healthcare spending. At several key moments, his values and ethics were tested – and his responses act as a clear window on to his political priorities.