Concern over Cummings backlash
HYNDBURN Conservative politicians have criticised the Prime Minister over his handling of the ongoing controversy regarding chief adviser Dominic Cummings’ trip to Durham at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MP Sara Britcliffe said Mr Cummings has broken the ‘spirit’ of the guidelines, but stopped short of adding her name to a growing list of party rebels calling for him to resign, adding that she “sympathises” with his reasoning.
Patrick McGinley, the chairman of Hyndburn Conservative Association, said the episode had “damaged” the PM and risked a reduction in public compliance with lockdown rules.
On Bank Holiday Monday, the PMs senior advisor told reporters he believed he was acting “reasonably” and within the law and made the 260-mile drive from London to Durham because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with Covid19 and concerns about his family’s safety.
Senior cabinet ministers, along with the bulk of Conservative MPs to speak out, have expressed support following his statement.
Ms Britcliffe said when the story first broke over the weekend she raised her concerns ‘instantly’ with the Government and would ‘not defend someone who broke the lockdown rules whilst my constituents have suffered significant hardship throughout this pandemic’.
She said she waited until Tuesday to make a statement so she could have ‘time to hear the facts’ and hear the response from Mr Cummings.
She said: “Dominic Cummings has set out his reasons, which people can make of what they will, and he has set out his family’s circumstances under which he took the decision he made.
“As a senior Government advisor he knew the law and knew that there were allowances for exceptional circumstances, which was confirmed by a statement made by Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, in a press conference on the 24th March, where she said: “Clearly, if you have adults that are unable to look after a small child, this is an exceptional circumstance.
“I sympathise with Mr Cummings’ reasoning for his decisions; however, I agree with my constituents who say that this has broken the ‘spirit’ of the guidelines and that this was not the interpretation made by many others.
“We have all had to make difficult decisions over the past few months. Many of us have elderly relatives we haven’t hugged, friends who have had to shield and young children who have care needs that are much harder to cope with in lockdown.
“For some of us the pains of separation have been even greater; when a death or serious illness has caused deep anguish.
“I can understand those pressures on a family as much as anyone. We all can. And, that is why I can understand and share the frustration.”
She added: “I do though completely deplore the harassment his family has received at their home, which must be very frightening for their four-yearold child. And the media’s behaviour outside his home. Nobody should have to face that.”
Patrick McGinley, chairman of Hyndburn Conservative Association, said the episode left him with
“concerns”. He said: “Mr Cummings states he acted in the best interests of his family. I am sure that principle is a very important one to each and every one of us. It appears he has not broken the law or indeed the guidelines. Nevetheless, his actions have given cause for concern to many.
“Apparently, I took a different view of the guidelines - and would not have acted in the same manner as Mr Cummings. I was never made aware of the extended guidelines to which he referred.
“Sadly - although Cummings is not an MP - the greater damage here is to Boris Johnson and our party.
“People will be less inclined to follow Government instructions in coming weeks, especially if we get a second wave. If lives are lost, communities will be truly angry.”
Oswaldtwistle Tory councillor Judith Addison also argued that Mr Cummings’ behaviour has ‘diminished public respect for and trust in the government and the Conservative Party’.
Coun Addison said: “I don’t think it reflects well on Boris Johnson that he has backed him to the hilt. I think people in public office should lead by example and not say one thing and then do something else.”