Report suggesting contract favours for those with "direct line to Ministers" demands inquiry

The Liberal Democrats have demanded a timetable for an inquiry into the Government's handling of the pandemic following the publication of an NAO report which revealed that Ministers agreed £18bn worth of supplies and services which bypassed usual standards for procurement.   Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said:   "It is utterly galling the Government has sidestepped accountability and transparency rules. In no world is it fair that bids with a direct line to Ministers were ten times more successful.   "The Tories have left themselves wide open to serious and legitimate allegations that they have chosen to line the pockets of friends and donors.    "The British people deserve clear, honest answers. Now more than ever we need a timetable for the inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic.”