‘Degrading’ defence of aide Cummings
CONSERVATIVE MP William Wragg said it was “humiliating and degrading” to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of Dominic Cummings following the row over whether or not he broke the lockdown.
The Prime Minister’s most senior aide, Dominic Cummings, remains under fire over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown restrictions, after he said he does not regret his actions and declined to apologise.
In an extraordinary hour-long press conference in the 10 Downing Street garden, the chief adviser sought to defend his decision to drive to County Durham from London in March.
Mr Cummings said he made the trip because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his family’s safety – but revealed that despite the backlash he has “not considered” resigning.
The political storm overshadowed an announcement by Boris Johnson that all shops across England will be able to open in June if they can meet the coronavirus guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.
Mr Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove and chairman of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee in the Commons, said: “We cannot throw away valuable public and political good will any longer.
“It’s humiliating and degrading to their office to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of an adviser.
“This is a time of national emergency and our focus must be unrelenting. We owe it to the nation.”