An Ipswich woman has described Boris Johnson's apology at the Covid inquiry as "meaningless" and holds him responsible for the death of her sister.

Sandra Basham died aged 61 in January 2021 after contracting the virus.

Ms Basham's sister Jane, who lives in Ipswich, holds the former Prime Minister responsible for her sister's death. 

Ipswich Star: Sandra Basham died in January 2021 after contracting the virusSandra Basham died in January 2021 after contracting the virus (Image: PA/Jane Basham)

Mr Johnson told the Covid inquiry in London on Wednesday that he was sorry for “the pain and the loss and the suffering of the Covid victims”, but said he was “not sure” whether government decision-making had led to “materially” a larger number of excess deaths.

"His apology is meaningless to me, and many of us who are bereaved," said Ms Basham.

“If Boris Johnson was truly sorry then he would have delivered a public inquiry when it was first requested and not forced a group of traumatised bereaved relatives to have to fight for it.

"He would have shown humility and met the bereaved families who stand outside the inquiry every day rather than scuttling in before dawn.”

Ipswich Star: Boris Johnson speaking at the inquiryBoris Johnson speaking at the inquiry (Image: PA Media)

Sandra Basham had been caring for older people in their homes near Dartford, Kent, during the pandemic before she was admitted to hospital, with Ms Basham adding her family did not see her because they were taking the virus seriously.

She added: “We didn’t know it then, but Sandra was doomed from the moment he dragged his heels on the second lockdown – he knew precisely how serious it was by then so there’s no excuses.”

“He ignored the science, showing utter disregard for people’s lives.”

“I hold him responsible for Sandra’s death.”

During his first day of evidence at the inquiry in London, Mr Johnson admitted he should have “twigged much sooner” about the threat posed by Covid in the early days of the pandemic.