The UK Cabinet Office is investigating how an “unauthorised tweet” was sent from the official Civil Service Twitter account that appeared to be critical of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government.
The tweet – sent just after Johnson gave a televised press briefing – said: “arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?”
The tweet went viral before it was deleted, with screenshots shared widely on social media and the post liked by thousands of people.
While it is not confirmed what prompted the tweet, many have speculated that it was directed at Johnson after he defended the actions of his senior adviser, Dominic Cummings.
Cummings has come under fire for allegedly breaching national lockdown regulations after traveling to Durham – more than 250 miles (402 kilometers) from his home in London – on two separate occasions.
During his briefing on Sunday, Johnson said that while he acknowledges why people may feel “offended” by Cummings’ apparent disregard for the government’s emergency restrictions, he believes “most people will understand” his adviser’s actions.
According to a Downing Street spokesperson, Cummings acted “in line with coronavirus guidelines” and traveled to “ensure his young child could be properly cared for” after his wife became infected with suspected coronavirus.