Rule makers to rule breakers

Where, how and why the elite permitted themselves to ignore restrictions the public was told to obey

Dominic Cummings

The Prime Minister’s former chief aide, right, drove to his parents’ home in Durham in March 2020 at the height of the first lockdown, in contravention of the rules after fearing that his wife had Covid. He then drove 30 miles to Barnard Castle on his wife’s birthday, claiming he needed to test his eyesight. He explained his actions at a press conference in the Downing Street garden and left No10 on Nov 14 2020 after an internal power struggle.

Robert Jenrick

The then housing secretary was accused of breaking lockdown rules in April 2020 after he was spotted visiting his parents in Shropshire, 40 miles from his own home. He claimed he was delivering essential supplies to them because they were selfisolating and that he respected social distancing rules.

Dr Catherine Calderwood

Resigned as Scotland’s chief medical officer in April 2020 after twice visiting her second home, more than an hour away from her main home in Edinburgh

Prof Neil Ferguson

Resigned from his position on the Government’s Sage advisory committee in May 2020 after he was caught by The Daily Telegraph visiting his mistress in breach of social distancing regulations.

Matt Hancock

Resigned as health secretary in June 2021 after leaked CCTV footage showed him kissing his mistress and adviser Gina Coladangelo, left, in his office, in breach of social distancing guidelines that were in place at the time.

Nimco Ali

One of Carrie Johnson’s closest friends, right, stayed with her and the Prime Minister during the Christmas break last year, despite London being under Tier 4 restrictions that prevented most households mixing. No 10 said no rules had been broken as she was part of their childcare “bubble”.