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'What planet are they on?' - UK newspaper reaction to Johnson backing Cummings

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British newspapers were united in their condemnation of Boris Johnson's decision to back Dominic Cummings after calls for his top aide to be sacked over a 260-mile trip during lockdown.

The Daily Mail, which has been a supporter of the UK prime minister in the past, asked: "What planet are they on?"

The Guardian said that Johnson “bets all on Cummings” after he insisted his controversial adviser  had acted "legally" and "with integrity".

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior aide Dominic Cummings leaves 10 Downing Street, London, as lockdown questions continue to bombard the Government after it emerged that he travelled to his parents' home despite coronavirus-related restrictions.

The Daily Mirror branded Cummings a "CHEAT" and Johnson a "COWARD".

The Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph, the latter of which previously employed Johnson as a columnist, took a less critical stance.

The Daily Telegraph led with a quote from Johnson's press conference in which he said Cummings had “acted responsibly, legally and with integrity”.

The Daily Express said the "defiant" prime minister "gave his full backing" to his top adviser.

The Times led with Johnson's defence that Cummings "acted like any father".

Amid growing calls for his resignation, Cummings is due to make a statement and take questions at the Downing Street rose garden.

Such a move is unprecedented as aides for politicians usually aim to stay out of the limelight.