Stirling's former Tory MP joins cross-party calls for Dominic Cummings to resign
by Chris MarzellaStirling’s current and former MPs have called for the resignation of Boris Johnson’s most senior advisor.
SNP MP Alyn Smith says that Dominic Cummings must quit over the controversy surrounding his apparent breach of the coronavirus lockdown.
And former Tory MP Stephen Kerr, who previously occupied the seat, has echoed the call.
Mr Cummings came under fire after it was revealed that he had made a 260-mile trip to his parents’ property in County Durham and a beauty spot during lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended Mr Cummings in a weekend press briefing, saying “he has acted responsibly, legally and with integrity”.
Mr Cummings then addressed the media on Monday afternoon where he detailed his movements in which he refused to apologise. He revealed that he drove 260-miles in March from his London home to his parents’ farm with his wife and child.
Former MP Mr Kerr said: “My view is very straightforward. The last thing the government needs right now is the distraction of the last 72 hours.
“The facts of public life are that when you are in any kind of leadership role you must not just do the right thing, you must be seen to do it.
“You must not only follow the letter of the instructions you are giving to everyone else but you must follow the spirit as well.
“In all frankness when a government advisor becomes the subject of a prolonged controversy then it is time that advisor stepped aside.”
Stirling MP Alyn Smith has backed calls for a Cabinet Office inquiry. He said: “My email inbox has been inundated with furious constituents, outraged at the actions of Dominic Cummings.
“Trust and transparency are crucial in the fight against this deadly virus, and yet Boris Johnson has instead offered weak excuses on behalf of his top advisor.
“The actions of Cummings should be condemned in their own right, but the perceived cover-up by Johnson’s administration is jaw-dropping.
“The public are rightfully angry at the staggering hypocrisy of it all. Cummings must go.”