Dominic Cummings to make public statement over lockdown claims

Boris Johnson's chief adviser faces calls to quit

Dominic Cummings to make public statement today over allegations of breaching lockdown

Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings will make a public statement this afternoon after allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown restrictions Downing Street has confirmed.

A storm of protest continues to rage not only over revelations the prime minister's most senior and most trusted aide broke the Government's own lockdown guidelines, but also due to Mr Johnson's defence of Mr Cummings on Sunday.

Mr Cummings travelled to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family while official guidelines warned against long-distance journeys, apparently because he feared that he and his wife would be left unable to care for their son.

Further reports also suggested he took a second trip to the North East in April.

Mr Johnson fronted Downing Street's coronavirus briefing to back Mr Cummings, saying he had "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity" and that "any parent would frankly understand what he did".

Dissent has come from inside Tory party ranks, with former minister Paul Maynard saying he shared people's "dismay" at the response, and was one of many MPs who insisted Mr Cummings should quit or be sacked.

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