Storm over news that Cummings travelled north with his family

The goverment’s most senior adviser Dominic Cummings travelled hundreds of miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown when he had virus symptoms.

A source close to the PM’s chief aide confirmed reports he and his wife went to his parent’s home to self-isolate.

But No 10 sources said Mr Cummings did not break government guidance because he and his wife stayed in a separate building.

The story was first reported by the Mirror and Guardian newspapers.

Labour said No 10 needed to provide a “very swift explanation” for Mr Cummings’ actions.

“If accurate, the prime minister’s chief adviser appears to have breached the lockdown rules. The government’s guidance was very clear: stay at home and no non-essential travel,” a spokesman said.

The Mirror and the Guardian reported Mr Cummings, the former Vote Leave supremo who was the architect of the PM’s Brexit strategy, had been approached by the police.

Durham Constabulary said: “On Tuesday, March 31, our officers were made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city.

“Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house. In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation...”

A source close to Mr Cummings defended his actions, saying he made the trip because his parents could help with child care while he and his wife were both ill with symptoms of coronavirus.

Dominic Cummings who travelled to County Durham with his wife and family while suffering Covid19 symptoms.