Hello, I'm John Curtis, and I'm Rachel Wolf.

We want to tell you about our new podcast, Trendy from Toy Toys.

It's all about what people think and why politicians do what they do.

Each week we're going to look at the most important social, political and economic trends,

in the hope that we can come to a better understanding of where we are as a country.

New episodes will be available every Thursday morning.

Search for Trendy, wherever you get your podcasts.

In London, a stone's throw from Paddington Station, in an understated but typically

grand looking government office, the UK COVID inquiry is well underway.

Leaders, advisors, politicians and scientists all been questioned on their decisions,

actions and whatsapps.

They were often sent in speed, were largely informal and spontaneous, and were sometimes ill-considered.

They were always short, naturally, they often reflected irritation or even vitriol.

If you'd ever wondered how bitter or deep factions and grudges were in the corridors of power,

here's your glimpse, candid nicknames and colourful language,

of which there'll be quite a bit in this episode.

On the 12th of March, a text from Mr Cummings read,

we've got big problems coming, the cabin office is terrifyingly shit.

No plans, totally behind the pace.

Yesterday we heard from Boris Johnson's former private secretary, Martin Reynolds,

dubbed party Marty for his role in one of the Downing Street Bashes.

There are further whatsapps in relation to another event in the garden.

...