Boris Johnson is not going to be restricted over what he can inform the Covid inquiry, a senior minister has stated.

But, MP Robert Jenrick insisted it might not be “sensible or reasonable” handy over ministers’ paperwork or messages deemed irrelevant to the pandemic because the Government takes the official investigation to court docket.

It comes after the previous Prime Minister was warned he might lose public funding for authorized recommendation if he tries to “frustrate or undermine” the Government’s place.

Cabinet Office attorneys wrote to Mr Johnson, warning that cash would “cease to be available” if he breaks situations corresponding to releasing proof with out permission.

Mr Johnson has been on the centre of a row as ministers launched a High Court bid to problem the inquiry’s demand for his unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks.

He vowed to ship all his messages to the official investigation instantly, circumventing the Cabinet Office. He has had authorized recommendation paid for by the taxpayer, however the Sunday Times detailed the letter from attorneys containing the warning to the ex-PM.

Mr Jenrick insisted it was “entirely up to the former prime minister how he co-operates with the inquiry”.

The Home Office minister advised Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “If he wishes to send his documents or WhatsApp messages to them then he’s at liberty to do so.

“He can advance whatever arguments he wants to and make whatever statements he wishes in his witness statement to the inquiry.

“There’s no sense that the Government will restrict what Boris Johnson wants to say, but if you use taxpayer funds obviously you should make sure you’re using them appropriately.”

Mr Johnson is on the centre of the row however the Government is attempting to keep away from needlessly handing over what it sees as irrelevant messages from different ministers, which might embody proof from the PM, who was chancellor on the time.

Mr Jenrick insisted the Government has the “highest regard” for inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett. He added it isn't asking for any “special treatment”.

The Cabinet Office insisted the letter was “to protect public funds”.

Conservative donor Lord Cruddas, an outspoken backer of Mr Johnson urged the MP to not be “held to ransom” by the menace, tweeting: “Don’t worry @BorisJohnson I can easily get your legal fees funded by supporters and crowd funding, it’s easy.”

After the Government launched its authorized battle, Mr Johnson wrote to Lady Hallett, saying he was sending all unredacted WhatsApps he had given to the Cabinet Office.

He stated he want to do the identical for the messages on an previous cellphone he was advised to not use after it emerged the quantity had been obtainable on-line for 15 years. That gadget comprises discussions earlier than May 2021 together with across the three nationwide lockdowns he ordered.

The Cabinet Office missed Lady Hallett’s deadline set on Thursday handy over the requested materials.