What local politicians make of the Dominic Cummings saga

Local politicians have echoed widespread calls for Dominic Cummings to resign and have been left “incredibly angry” by his refusal to apologise for his actions. 

Whilst accepting the Prime Minister’s senior aide went against the ‘stay at home’ message that was repeated to the public at the height of the lockdown, local Conservatives have also criticised the “absolutely appalling” and “unedifying hounding” of Mr Cummings and his family by the media. 

Boris Johnson’s chief adviser has been at the centre of a media and political storm since last Friday (May 22), after it was revealed that he travelled more than 260 miles from London to Durham with his family to self isolate at the end of March. 

However, in a rare public statement on Monday, Mr Cummings defended the trip, saying that he had acted “reasonably” to seek childcare after his wife had developed Covid-19 symptoms. His actions have also been backed by the PM and several cabinet members. 

This is what key local political figures have had to say on the matter: 

HIGH PEAK MP ROBERT LARGAN

"We can’t have a position where it is one rule for the public and another for politicians. If all the reports about Dominic Cummings are true, then I believe his position is untenable and he should resign. 

“I don’t have all the facts and I don’t want to rush to judgement based on incomplete information, especially when many allegations are being disputed. But we need proper answers and we need them quickly.

“In the meantime, I have made the Government aware of the strength of feeling of local people. 

“I’d add that some of the hounding of Mr Cummings and his family that has taken place, including outside his home, has been unedifying. Whatever your views on his conduct, the abuse that has been directed towards his family is inappropriate."

DOREEN DICKINSON, ON BEHALF OF CONSERVATIVE GROUP IN TAMESIDE 

“I understand the reasons why Dominic Cummings made the decision to travel to Durham and think his statement provided a great deal of clarity. 

“However, even though I understand these reasons, he still went against the stay at home message which I do not feel was the right thing to do. 

“That said, the actions of the press have been absolutely appalling throughout all of this and I am not surprised he did not feel his wife and little boy would be safe in their home.” 

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE MP AND LABOUR PARTY DEPUTY LEADER ANGELA RAYNER 

“The events that unfolded over the weekend left me genuinely speechless but the Prime Minister and his most senior aide are so arrogant that they don’t care what the public think.

“I’m also totally disgusted with those on the payroll on the Government front bench trying to defend this nonsense! You’re meant to protect and stand up for the people of this country.

“My fear with this whole fiasco is in a few weeks time we could have another peak of the virus because of the actions of the Prime Minister in undermining the official advice. If he’s not already toast, he will be when more lives are lost. He’s lost his credibility and he’s ensured that his public health messages will not be taken seriously again. It can’t be one rules for us and another for them.

“The press conferences over the weekend were actually painful to watch. Mr Cummings clearly broke the rules and the Prime Minister has failed to act in the national interest. He should never have allowed this situation with a member of his staff. It’s completely inept, rudderless leadership at a time when we need someone strong to steer us through this national crisis.

“My constituents who – on Government advice - have kept away from loved ones, not been able to visit sick relatives, not attended funerals, not left their homes unless following guidelines, not visited their grown up sons or daughters and had their lives turned upside down now feel so let down. So many people have suffered great personal hardship, people in poverty with no outdoor space, single parents, disabled parents and poorly parents – they all complied with the rules. It’s a real kick in the teeth.”

STALYBRIDGE AND HYDE MP JONATHAN REYNOLDS 

"I've been overwhelmed by emails from local people who feel angry that they have incurred great family loss and inconvenience throughout lockdown, only to find it did not apply to Dominic Cummings, and to see the Prime Minister and Cabinet queuing up to defend his actions. 

“Mr Cummings and his friends in Government have caused hurt to the British people, damaged trust in politics, and undermined public health messaging. 

“I just want to say thank you to everyone continuing to respect the regulations, and everyone working on the frontline to fight Covid-19."

DENTON MP ANDREW GWYNNE 

“I am incredibly angry; not just at what he did, but at how he has sought to justify his actions without apology.

“The facts are simple: in travelling to Durham he broke the lockdown. He says there were exceptional circumstances which made the journey permissible. I don’t share that view. But even accepting his viewpoint (which I don’t), he clearly broke the lockdown rules with a 60-mile round trip from Durham to Barnard Castle. It was his wife’s birthday. The ‘testing my eyesight’ excuse not only does not wash with me, it angers me more.

“Two weeks before lockdown I developed Coronavirus type symptoms. It was pretty grotty: I was ill for about 10 days. I self isolated. My wife, daughter and 15-month-old grandson did the same. Two days before the 14-day quarantine was up, we were on full lockdown. We played by the rules, as millions of others have done. There cannot be one rule for us and a different set for those in powerful positions. Cummings has to go.

“I have written to Sir Mark Sedwill, the Head of the Civil Service, asking him to take formal action against Mr Cummings, who, as a Special Advisor, is a politically appointed Civil Servant.”