skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--Which Tory MPs are calling for Cummings to go and why?

Boris Johnson has stood by Dominic Cummings despite mounting calls for the prime minister to sack his top aide for travelling to another home during lockdown .
But while Downing Street has brushed aside concerns raised by members of the public and some newspapers , it is struggling to contain growing fury from within the Conservative Party .
Backbench MPs have begun openly calling for Mr Cummings to resign or be fired , and discontent has spread to ministers - but they are still not going public with their concerns .
So which politicians have called for the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A powerful enemy to have on the backbenches , Steve Baker sits on the executive of the 1922 Committee - the body representing all Tory MPs .
He told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` We are now in a nonsense position , a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you can do , at least if you work in Number 10 .
`` It 's ridiculous , it 's got to stop and Dominic should go .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just be burning through Boris 's political capital at a rate that we can ill-afford in the midst of this crisis . ''
The Tory MP for Wellingborough told Sky News : `` I 'm certain he has to go . ''
`` We ca n't really have a rule that applies to everyone except the government elite .
`` He could have come out and apologised and said this was a bad mistake and I ’ m sorry about it and I shouldn ’ t have done it .
And I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But to try and pretend he did n't break the rules just does n't stand up to scrutiny . ''
Speaking after Boris Johnson 's full-throated defence of his senior adviser , Simon Hoare told the Daily Mail : `` The PM 's performance posed more questions than it answered .
`` Any residual hope that this might die away in the next 24 hours is lost . ''
Damian Collins , who found Mr Cummings in contempt of parliament for refusing to appear before the select committee he used to chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a track record of believing that the rules don ’ t apply to him and treating the scrutiny that should come to anyone in a position of authority with contempt .
`` The government would be better without him . ''
The East Worthing and Shoreham MP says many people `` made the choice not to 'reinterpret ' the lockdown rules '' and it is `` even more important that they are followed even more relentlessly by those responsible for making and enforcing them '' .
He explained : `` It is with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conclusion that the position of Dominic Cummings is untenable as the chief adviser to the Government and he must resign or be removed .
`` But his continuing in the role any longer can only undermine the authority of the Prime Minister and the Government at a time when both need to be completely focussed on getting the nation through the next stage of the Coronavirus crisis .
`` I am also worried that a number of scientists providing expert advice to the Government have also expressed the concern that their work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The MP for Colne Valley tweeted : `` I fully acknowledge that the perceived hypocrisy of the rule makers potentially threatens the success of any future measures we may need to introduce if there is a second wave of coronavirus here in the UK .
`` We must have confidence that we are doing the right things for the right reasons and that we are all truly in it together .
For that reason I believe Mr Cummings ' position is now untenable . ''
The Veteran Conservative Sir Roger Gale , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said after the prime minister 's news conference : `` I 'm very disappointed .
`` I think it was an opportunity to put this to bed and I fear that now the story is simply going to run and run . ''
Mr Cummings ' position was branded `` untenable '' by Mr Whittaker , Calder Valley MP , who added : `` You can not advise the nation one thing then do the opposite . ''
`` It is becoming increasingly clear that Dominic Cummings ' position is no longer tenable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The government need to urgently refocus on our national priorities , namely our efforts to manage the COVID-19 outbreak.
” A former Cabinet minister , Caroline Nokes said : `` I made my views clear to my whip yesterday .
There can not be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others .
`` My inbox is rammed with very angry constituents and I do not blame them .
They have made difficult sacrifices over the course of the last nine weeks . ''
The Poole MP tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test , track and trace and the next phase of lifting lockdown next week .
`` Whatever the merits of a government adviser , they should never be the story or it detracts from the central message which is to get us out of this crisis .
The adviser should go . ''
Former minister Paul Maynard said : `` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable . ''
The Cleethorpes MP said Mr Cummings ' `` actions do undermine the message , which was very clear that people should stay at home '' .
`` I 'm afraid Mr Cummings has let the government and Mr Johnson down in that respect . ''
he told Sky News .
`` He should have done the decent thing and stood down . ''
The Waveney MP since 2010 said his view had originally been sympathetic to Mr Cummings , but he has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government should recognise what families have gone through and what people are thinking and saying .
It is thus important that Dominic Cummings should now stand down . ''
Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton said Mr Cummings was `` damaging the Government and the country that he 's supposed to be serving '' .
He said his own father had died alone as a result of the coronavirus lockdown , adding : `` People have made sacrifices , this is a difficult time , this is a time of national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said of Mr Cummings : `` He certainly destroyed the spirit of the ruled by what he did .
`` It will make it very difficult for us , the rest of the population , to accept the largely voluntary restraints we have lived under for nine weeks .
`` I apologise for that because those rules remain in place and we should all still abide by them .
I am afraid I believe his position is thus untenable . ''
Sky News has also spoken to three other MPs - James Gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who confirmed they want Mr Cummings gone .
Privately , many more MPs - including senior ones - are voicing the same opinion .
And Sky News understands up to 20 MPs from the so-called `` red wall '' that fell for the first time from Labour to the Conservatives at the 2019 election are pushing for an inquiry into Mr Cummings 's conduct .

Boris Johnson has stood by Dominic Cummings - despite mounting calls for the prime minister to sack his top aide for making several trips during lockdown.
But while Boris Johnson has insisted his adviser did nothing wrong and even granted him his own news conference to try to clear up any confusion, the Conservatives leader is struggling to contain growing fury from within his own party.
Backbench MPs have begun openly calling for Mr Cummings to resign or be fired, and discontent has spread to ministers - with one resigning from the government in protest.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
So which politicians have called for the prime minister's personal special adviser to go?
1. Steve Baker
A powerful enemy to have on the backbenches, Steve Baker sits on the executive of the 1922 Committee - the body representing all Tory MPs.
He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "We are now in a nonsense position, a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you can do, at least if you work in Number 10.
"It's ridiculous, it's got to stop and Dominic should go. If he doesn't resign, he will just be burning through Boris's political capital at a rate that we can ill-afford in the midst of this crisis."
He has not made a public statement since Mr Cummings' speech from the Downing Street rose garden.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules'
2. Peter Bone
The Tory MP for Wellingborough told Sky News on Sunday: "I'm certain he has to go."
"We can't really have a rule that applies to everyone except the government elite.
"He could have come out and apologised and said this was a bad mistake and I'm sorry about it and I shouldn't have done it. And I think he probably would have carried on.
"But to try and pretend he didn't break the rules just doesn't stand up to scrutiny."
He told Sky News on Tuesday Mr Cummings' statements the previous day "confirmed everything I thought".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:30 Peter Bone on Cummings: He's got to go
3. Simon Hoare
Speaking after Boris Johnson's full-throated defence of his senior adviser, Simon Hoare told the Daily Mail: "The PM's performance posed more questions than it answered.
"Any residual hope that this might die away in the next 24 hours is lost."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:20 'There is growing disquiet amongst ministers'
4. Damian Collins
Damian Collins, who found Mr Cummings in contempt of parliament for refusing to appear before the select committee he used to chair, said: "Dominic Cummings has a track record of believing that the rules don't apply to him and treating the scrutiny that should come to anyone in a position of authority with contempt.
"The government would be better without him."
Mr Collins confirmed on Tuesday he still holds those views.
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5. Tim Loughton
The East Worthing and Shoreham MP said many people "made the choice not to 'reinterpret' the lockdown rules" and it is "even more important that they are followed even more relentlessly by those responsible for making and enforcing them".
He explained: "It is with regret therefore that I have come to the conclusion that the position of Dominic Cummings is untenable as the chief adviser to the Government and he must resign or be removed.
"But his continuing in the role any longer can only undermine the authority of the Prime Minister and the Government at a time when both need to be completely focussed on getting the nation through the next stage of the Coronavirus crisis.
"I am also worried that a number of scientists providing expert advice to the Government have also expressed the concern that their work is at threat of being undermined."
Mr Loughton confirmed to Sky News on Tuesday he still wants Mr Cummings gone.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
6. Jason McCartney
The MP for Colne Valley posted on Facebook: "I fully acknowledge that the perceived hypocrisy of the rule makers potentially threatens the success of any future measures we may need to introduce if there is a second wave of coronavirus here in the UK.
"We must have confidence that we are doing the right things for the right reasons and that we are all truly in it together. For that reason I believe Mr Cummings' position is now untenable."
Mr McCartney told Sky News on Tuesday he holds the same view.
7. Sir Roger Gale
The Veteran Conservative Sir Roger Gale, who has served in parliament since 1983, said after the prime minister's news conference: "I'm very disappointed.
"I think it was an opportunity to put this to bed and I fear that now the story is simply going to run and run."
He restated his position after Mr Cummings' news conference, tweeting on Tuesday: "The time I think, has come for Mr Cummings to resign or for the PM to dispense of his services."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 'It's disappointing' say Durham residents
8. Craig Whittaker
Mr Cummings' position was branded "untenable" by Mr Whittaker, Calder Valley MP, who added: "You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite."
He tweeted on Tuesday: "My view has not changed."
9. Julian Sturdy
"It is becoming increasingly clear that Dominic Cummings' position is no longer tenable," the York Outer MP tweeted on Monday.
"The government need to urgently refocus on our national priorities, namely our efforts to manage the COVID-19 outbreak."
Mr Sturdy told Sky News on Tuesday his position is unchanged.
It's humiliating and degrading to their office to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of an adviser.
10. Caroline Nokes
A former Cabinet minister, Caroline Nokes said: "I made my views clear to my whip yesterday. There cannot be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others.
"My inbox is rammed with very angry constituents and I do not blame them. They have made difficult sacrifices over the course of the last nine weeks."
Ms Nokes stood by her comments on Tuesday.
11. Sir Robert Syms
The Poole MP tweeted: "The government has to explain test, track and trace and the next phase of lifting lockdown next week.
"Whatever the merits of a government adviser, they should never be the story or it detracts from the central message which is to get us out of this crisis. The adviser should go."
He added on Tuesday to another colleague calling on Mr Cummings to resign they were "spot on".
Image: Up to 20 new Tory MPs are understood to be pushing for an inquiry
12. Paul Maynard
Former minister Paul Maynard said: "It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up.
"It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable."
Mr Maynard said his position had not changed on Tuesday.
13. Martin Vickers
The Cleethorpes MP said Mr Cummings' "actions do undermine the message, which was very clear that people should stay at home".
"I'm afraid Mr Cummings has let the government and Mr Johnson down in that respect." he told Sky News. "He should have done the decent thing and stood down."
Mr Vickers confirmed to Sky News on Tuesday his position remains unchanged.
14. Peter Aldous
The Waveney MP since 2010 said his view had originally been sympathetic to Mr Cummings, but he has since revised his opinion.
He tweeted: "The government should recognise what families have gone through and what people are thinking and saying. It is thus important that Dominic Cummings should now stand down."
Mr Aldous told Sky News on Tuesday his thinking is still the same.
15. David Warbuton
Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton said on Monday Mr Cummings was "damaging the Government and the country that he's supposed to be serving".
He said his own father had died alone as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, adding: "People have made sacrifices, this is a difficult time, this is a time of national crisis."
Mr Warbuton said his views are "definitely unchanged if not firmer" when contacted by Sky News on Tuesday.
16. Bob Stewart
The MP for Beckenham said on Monday of Mr Cummings: "He certainly destroyed the spirit of the ruled by what he did.
"It will make it very difficult for us, the rest of the population, to accept the largely voluntary restraints we have lived under for nine weeks.
"I apologise for that because those rules remain in place and we should all still abide by them. I am afraid I believe his position is thus untenable."
Mr Stewart has been asked if he stands by his comments and has not retracted them in public posts made since.
17. John Stevenson
Carlisle MP John Stevenson said his constituents "and the country have sacrificed a lot over the last few weeks".
"People in positions of power have added responsibility - Mr Cummings holds such a position," he wrote. "Therefore in my view in the interests of the country Mr Cummings should resign."
Mr Stevenson confirmed to Sky News on Tuesday he still wants Mr Cummings go leave his post.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Cummings 'could have' gone straight to London
18. William Wragg
William Wragg, who chairs a Commons select committee and sits on the executive of the 1922 group of all Tory MPs, said on Tuesday: "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."
19. Douglas Ross
A junior Scotland Office minister resigned over the debacle, saying on Tuesday that: "While the intentions may have been well-meaning, the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked.
"I have constituents who didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government.
"I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The morning after: Cummings leaves home
20. Mark Pawsey
The Rugby and Bulkington MP wrote in a lengthy statement published on Tuesday: "I believe that it is wrong that Mr Cummings remains in an important post in government.
"I had hoped he that would tender his resignation of his own accord.
"As he has failed to do so, I now believe it is right for the prime minister to ask for his resignation.
"It is vital that public confidence must not be undermined by this episode."
21. Philip Davies
The Shipley MP said on Tuesday: "It is admirable of the prime minister to be loyal to his staff and seek to defend and support those who work for him.
"Dominic Cummings should now repay that loyalty to the prime minister by resigning his position for the good of the prime minister, the government and the country."
Image: A growing number of backbenchers are calling for the aide to go
22. Mark Harper
A former chief whip, the Forest of Dean MP said there was "no credible justification" for the Barnard Castle trip.
"Mr Cummings should have offered to resign and the PM should have accepted his resignation," he tweeted on Tuesday.
23. Mark Garnier
In a message sent to his constituents, the Wyre Forest MP said: "It is clear to me that despite his story, despite an element of politics in this, and despite his value to the government, his remaining in Number 10 now causes too many problems at multiple levels.
"For him to stay would be to reject the valiant efforts of millions of us all who have done what we can to squash this infection.
"His resignation is now the only way forward."
24. Stephen Hammond
In an email to constituents, the Wimbledon MP wrote: "I share much of the confusion and anger that so many constituents have expressed.
"I would have not made the decisions that he did. I have not seen my elderly parents since the beginning of March.
"I have always tried to do the best thing for Wimbledon and whilst I think it would be served by Mr Cummings leaving his role, I accept that is the prime minister's decision who he employs as a special adviser."
My father died of coronavirus and the pain and guilt of my being unable to visit him as he fought for his life will haunt me for the rest of my days.
25. Jeremy Wright
In a post on his website, the former cabinet minister said: "What is most important at this point is that government can give clear messages about how to defeat the virus and that everyone feels motivated to do their best to help.
"This is more important than the position of any individual in Downing Street and therefore, fairly or unfairly, I have concluded that it would be better for Mr Cummings to leave his position at Downing Street."
26. Elliot Colburn
The Carshalton and Wallington MP, who was only elected in December, said on Tuesday: "As we start to relax some of the lockdown measures, we must continue to stay alert in order to prevent a second wave of this virus.
"I fear this situation risks undermining those efforts, just when we are seeing a significant reduction in the number of tragic lives this virus has claimed.
"It is for these reasons, that I have written to the prime minister again today to express my view that Mr Cummings should resign."
27. Sir Robert Neill
The Bromley and Chislehurst MP, the chair of the House of Commons justice committee, said: "Although an adviser, not a minister or elected representative, Mr Cummings is, by virtue of his job, prominently in the public eye. We cannot have a suggestion of one rule for some and a different one for others.
"So I recognise and understand the real anger, hurt and disappointment that many people now feel.
"We cannot allow the economic, physical and emotional price that families and businesses have made to go to waste, and we cannot allow the key public health messages to be clouded."
28. Jackie Doyle-Price
The Thurrock MP said: "Frankly this has been a very embarrassing episode for the government.
"To bring this sorry chapter to an end I am afraid Mr Cummings has to go."
29. Harriett Baldwin
The West Worcestershire MP, a former government minister, said: "The government relies on moral authority to receive the consent of the people to such draconian reductions in their freedoms.
"Therefore, for the sake of future adherence to public health guidelines, I believe he should resign."
Image: Mr Cummings' three trips came while Britons were told to 'stay at home'
30. Laurence Robertson
The Tewkesbury MP said: "Like many others, I have found the rules to be personally heart-wrenching.
"On 5 May, my father died of coronavirus and the pain and guilt of my being unable to visit him as he fought for his life will haunt me for the rest of my days.
"I wouldn't wish this situation on anyone, but I know that many of my constituents have suffered in the same or similar ways.
"And given that we are fighting against a world-wide pandemic, we really do need to be all in this together.
"That means you, me, ministers and senior officials."
31. James Gray
The North Wiltshire MP said: "Over the next few difficult weeks and months we need the full confidence of the people if they are to agree to the steps which will be necessary to safeguard both their lives and for their livelihoods.
"And for that to happen they have to have full confidence in the Government which is asking them to do it.
"Mr Cummings's questionable behaviour has undermined that trust.
"It can only be rebuilt if he now departs the scene."
32. David Simmonds
In an email to a constituent seen by the PA news agency, the Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner MP wrote: "Whilst the facts of Mr Cummings's situation are disputed and there are ongoing investigations, it is important in my view not to engage in trial by media.
"However, I have conveyed the strength of feeling locally to relevant colleagues, and my own view, through the appropriate channels, that Mr Cummings should step down."
33. Giles Watling
The Clacton MP said: "This unfortunate episode now has the potential to negatively impact on the effectiveness of our collective response to COVID-19, and, I believe, the only way to restore the credibility of the government's guidance in the eyes of local residents is for Mr Cummings to stand down."
34. Pauline Latham
The Mid-Derbyshire MP said: "Whilst I am sympathetic to the stress of the situation he was in, as a husband and a parent, I do not believe his actions were appropriate."
35. Andrew Jones
The Harrogate and Knaresborough MP told his local newspaper: "It is difficult to see how someone so instrumental in drawing up the rules can then say that what we all understood them to be actually has a 'Yes, but...' in the small print when it comes to the choices he made."
36. Robert Largan
The High Peak MP said: "We can't have a position where it is one rule for the public and another for politicians."
37. Andrew Selous
The South West Bedfordshire MP said: "I believe that his behaviour has damaged the prime minister, the government and, most critically of all, the integrity of our vital public health messages.
"I therefore think he should no longer have a role in government as his continued presence makes the vital work of the government in tackling COVID-19 more difficult."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 PM gets grilling from MPs over Cummings
38. George Freeman
The Mid Norfolk MP tweeted: "After 48hrs & c1000 emails from constituents expressing outage at the PM's Chief of Staff breaking the lockdown & not apologising, it's clear that public anger at the betrayal of their trust & compliance now risks a collapse of respect for HMG public health advice. DC has to go."
39. Karen Bradley
The former Northern Ireland secretary said to constituents on Thursday: "I have read the stories of personal sacrifice you and many others have made.
"We expect those that lead us to lead by example, especially those with such a significant influence on government.
"I can reach no other conclusion than that for the sake of this country, Mr Cummings should do the right thing now and stop damaging the work that needs to be done."
40. Simon Jupp
The East Devon MP wrote in a blog post: "Although I believe his actions were motivated by a father's desire to do what he felt was necessary to protect his family in exceptional circumstances, if placed in the same situation I wouldn't have made the same decisions and would have since considered my position."
Sky News has also spoken to five more MPs - Robert Goodwill, Alec Shelbrooke, Henry Smith and Andrew Percy - who confirmed on Tuesday they want the adviser gone.
Sir David Amess has called for Mr Cummings to be "suspended from his office whilst a full and thorough independent investigation is held".
Privately, several more MPs - including senior ones - are voicing the same opinion, including one who told Sky News "this is our black Wednesday" - in reference to the 1992 financial crisis that stained the Conservatives' economic record.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson is already paying the price for standing by Cummings

Coronavirus : Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings Coronavirus : Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings We now know for sure what most Westminster watchers have always suspected : Boris Johnson is prepared to move heaven and earth to try to protect his most trusted adviser Dominic Cummings .
Instead of his chief aide falling on his own sword after revelations that he had broken lockdown rules , the prime minister decided this weekend to become Mr Cummings ' own human shield instead .
And it has wounded him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in substantive policy terms too .
When it comes to handling the coronavirus crisis , the decision to defend Mr Cummings ' 260-mile trip to Durham to seek childcare support from his family has blunted not just the stay at home message but the wider rules .
Why should the public follow guidelines that those in power do not ?
`` Trashing '' all the lockdown advice in a `` few short minutes '' is how Professor Stephen Reicher , a member of the government 's advisory group of behavioural science , put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it could mean the R number begins to rise , bringing in turn more cases , more deaths and even a second wave ; the economic , social and public health consequences of which are unconscionable .
And in political terms , the prime minister has not only failed to shut down the sorry saga but has also managed to infuriate his own MPs and the public .
One minister told me what they had witnessed at that press conference on Sunday was `` the PM 's authority with the British people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes '' .
Another MP wrote to me after watching the PM to tell me his inbox was filling up with emails from furious constituents .
`` Frankly I feel disgusted on how a Conservative prime minister can treat decent people who have sacrificed so much , with such contempt , '' they said .
That the prime minister has chosen to expend vast amounts of his political capital on his adviser is an astonishing turning of tables in a world where it is the aides who fall on their swords for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly decided that he needs Mr Cummings enough not to take the easy route out by cutting him loose and moving on .
But this is a fight not yet won .
Fifteen Tories have now publicly called for him to go , while behind the scenes there are many more expressing their anger and demanding more answers from the PM via party whips .
Mr Johnson is also losing his base beyond the party : the Daily Mail on Sunday night also turned its guns on the prime minister and called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 had framed as an attack on it by `` campaigning newspapers '' is morphing into something else entirely .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This was meant to be the people 's government .
Mr Cummings ' brilliance was that he read public mood over Brexit and translated that into a thumping majority for the PM .
But this populist PM is now looking out of touch with the people .
Whether he wins or loses this battle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Whether the PM wins or loses for supporting his top aide after he broke lockdown rules, he is paying the price, Beth Rigby writes.
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings
We now know for sure what most Westminster watchers have always suspected: Boris Johnson is prepared to move heaven and earth to try to protect his most trusted adviser Dominic Cummings.
Instead of his chief aide falling on his own sword after revelations that he had broken lockdown rules, the prime minister decided this weekend to become Mr Cummings' own human shield instead.
And it has wounded him and his government - not just politically but in substantive policy terms too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
When it comes to handling the coronavirus crisis, the decision to defend Mr Cummings' 260-mile trip to Durham to seek childcare support from his family has blunted not just the stay at home message but the wider rules.
Why should the public follow guidelines that those in power do not?
"Trashing" all the lockdown advice in a "few short minutes" is how Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the government's advisory group of behavioural science, put it on Sunday night.
Ministers worry that it could mean the R number begins to rise, bringing in turn more cases, more deaths and even a second wave; the economic, social and public health consequences of which are unconscionable.
And in political terms, the prime minister has not only failed to shut down the sorry saga but has also managed to infuriate his own MPs and the public.
One minister told me what they had witnessed at that press conference on Sunday was "the PM's authority with the British people draining away in front of my very eyes".
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Image: Dominic Cummings went to his parents' house in Durham from London
Another MP wrote to me after watching the PM to tell me his inbox was filling up with emails from furious constituents.
"Frankly I feel disgusted on how a Conservative prime minister can treat decent people who have sacrificed so much, with such contempt," they said.
That the prime minister has chosen to expend vast amounts of his political capital on his adviser is an astonishing turning of tables in a world where it is the aides who fall on their swords for their political masters.
But Mr Johnson has clearly decided that he needs Mr Cummings enough not to take the easy route out by cutting him loose and moving on.
But this is a fight not yet won.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Police officers at Dominic Cummings' home
Fifteen Tories have now publicly called for him to go, while behind the scenes there are many more expressing their anger and demanding more answers from the PM via party whips.
Mr Johnson is also losing his base beyond the party: the Daily Mail on Sunday night also turned its guns on the prime minister and called for Mr Cummings to go.
What Number 10 had framed as an attack on it by "campaigning newspapers" is morphing into something else entirely.
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This was meant to be the people's government.
Mr Cummings' brilliance was that he read public mood over Brexit and translated that into a thumping majority for the PM.
But this populist PM is now looking out of touch with the people. Whether he wins or loses this battle, he is already paying the price.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--'More people are going to die': Cummings row undermines COVID-19 fight, scientist says

A scientist who has been advising the government during the coronavirus crisis has said the row over Dominic Cummings has undermined efforts to fight the pandemic - and `` more people are going to die '' as a result .
The comments by Professor Stephen Reicher , a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours ( SPI-B ) , came after Boris Johnson backed Mr Cummings ' decision to travel 260 miles to his parents ' house in the North East during lockdown .
SPI-B feeds analysis and advice to the scientists on the government 's emergency panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Prof Reicher told Good Morning Britain : `` If you look at the research it shows the reason why people observed lockdown was not for themselves , it was n't because they were personally at risk , they did it for the community , they did it because of a sense of 'we 're all in this together ' .
`` If you give the impression there 's one rule for them and one rule for us , you fatally undermine that sense of 'we 're all in this together ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of behaviour which have got us through this crisis . ''
He added : `` The real issue here is that because of these actions , because of undermining trust in the government , because of undermining adherence to the rules that we all need to follow , people are going to die .
`` More people are going to die . ''
Mr Johnson said on Sunday that Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' after his chief adviser admitted travelling to Durham for childcare support after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's comments , Prof Reicher wrote on Twitter : `` As one of those involved in SPI-B , the government advisory group on behavioural science , I can say that in a few short minutes tonight , Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19 .
`` Be open and honest , we said .
Trashed .
Respect the public , we said .
Trashed .
Ensure equity , so everyone is treated the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent we said .
Trashed .
Make clear 'we are all in it together ' .
Trashed . ''
He added : `` It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which does n't want to listen to science .
I hope , however , that the public will read our papers ( publicly available ) and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense . ''
Two other SPI-B members and health psychologists - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was imperative the public did not abandon social distancing despite the exceptions made for the PM 's chief aide .
`` The key thing we need to remember is that the reason for the lockdown is not for the sake of people like Dominic Cummings or the prime minister , it is for our friends and families ' sake so the rules are really , really important , '' he said .
Prof Michie called for Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , to give his own briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She wrote : `` I hope that @ CMO_England @ uksciencechief & colleagues will in future give their own scientific briefings to the British public unencumbered by distrust of @ BorisJohnson & co. Never thought I 'd say this but do n't want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The row over Mr Cummings ' trip in late March erupted on Friday evening following two newspaper investigations .
Calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend .
Number 10 said the aide travelled to be near his family in the North East , as he feared there would be no one to look after his four-year-old son if he and his wife became ill with coronavirus at the same time .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made `` absolutely clear '' to the prime minister that `` at no stage did he break the law or break the rules '' and Mr Johnson `` agreed with the assessment '' .

A scientist who has been advising the government during the coronavirus crisis has said the row over Dominic Cummings has undermined efforts to fight the pandemic - and "more people are going to die" as a result.
The comments by Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B), came after Boris Johnson backed Mr Cummings' decision to travel 260 miles to his parents' house in the North East during lockdown.
SPI-B feeds analysis and advice to the scientists on the government's emergency panel SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies).
Prof Reicher told Good Morning Britain: "If you look at the research it shows the reason why people observed lockdown was not for themselves, it wasn't because they were personally at risk, they did it for the community, they did it because of a sense of 'we're all in this together'.
"If you give the impression there's one rule for them and one rule for us, you fatally undermine that sense of 'we're all in this together' and you undermine adherence to the forms of behaviour which have got us through this crisis."
He added: "The real issue here is that because of these actions, because of undermining trust in the government, because of undermining adherence to the rules that we all need to follow, people are going to die.
"More people are going to die."
Mr Johnson said on Sunday that Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity" after his chief adviser admitted travelling to Durham for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms.
Following Mr Johnson's comments, Prof Reicher wrote on Twitter: "As one of those involved in SPI-B, the government advisory group on behavioural science, I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19.
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"Be open and honest, we said. Trashed. Respect the public, we said. Trashed. Ensure equity, so everyone is treated the same, we said. Trashed. Be consistent we said. Trashed. Make clear 'we are all in it together'. Trashed."
He added: "It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which doesn't want to listen to science. I hope, however, that the public will read our papers (publicly available) and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:49 PM defends Dominic Cummings
Two other SPI-B members and health psychologists - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie - backed the comments.
Prof West said it was imperative the public did not abandon social distancing despite the exceptions made for the PM's chief aide.
"The key thing we need to remember is that the reason for the lockdown is not for the sake of people like Dominic Cummings or the prime minister, it is for our friends and families' sake so the rules are really, really important," he said.
Prof Michie called for Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, to give his own briefings independently from the cabinet in the future.
She wrote: "I hope that @CMO_England @uksciencechief & colleagues will in future give their own scientific briefings to the British public unencumbered by distrust of @BorisJohnson & co. Never thought I'd say this but don't want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The row over Mr Cummings' trip in late March erupted on Friday evening following two newspaper investigations. Calls for Mr Cummings' resignation have mounted over the weekend.
Number 10 said the aide travelled to be near his family in the North East, as he feared there would be no one to look after his four-year-old son if he and his wife became ill with coronavirus at the same time.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made "absolutely clear" to the prime minister that "at no stage did he break the law or break the rules" and Mr Johnson "agreed with the assessment".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--'Strategically important' companies could receive government bailouts

Strategically important companies will be able to receive government bailouts on a `` last resort '' basis , it has been revealed .
The Treasury has said it will step in when a company 's failure would `` disproportionately harm the economy '' - but only once all other options had been exhausted .
A spokeswoman said : `` We are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer . ''
Under the new plan - named Project Birch - Chancellor Rishi Sunak has increased the Treasury 's capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It means the government is prepared to be a lender of last resort across all sectors of the economy , and not just in the aviation sector as Mr Sunak previously suggested in a private letter .
Although the Treasury could end up buying stakes in crucial businesses facing acute financial problems exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic , it is believed that the government 's preferred option involves extending loans .
Companies in the steel , aviation and aerospace industries are among those in dire straits , with the FT reporting that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already in talks with the government - or exploring what their options are .
Alistair Darling , who served as chancellor during the 2008 financial crisis , told the newspaper : `` Taking equity might be a good thing for the taxpayer to do .
`` If you 're lending money , say to an airline , it 's only right the taxpayer gets its fair share of success at the end . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` severe recession the likes of which we have n't seen '' after official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims .
He told a parliamentary committee that there was `` more hardship to come '' after the data showed 856,500 people submitted jobless benefit applications in April .
Mr Sunak indicated that despite the government 's `` unprecedented '' effort to prevent mass unemployment , it `` wo n't be able to protect every job and every business '' .
The Treasury is already bankrolling 80 % of wages for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Job Retention Scheme .
This has cost £11bn so far , and the latest official estimates suggest this could rise to £50bn .
The scheme is designed to dissuade business crippled by the lockdown from permanently dismissing employees , with their salaries subsidised by the taxpayer until they can return to work .

Strategically important companies will be able to receive government bailouts on a "last resort" basis, it has been revealed.
The Treasury has said it will step in when a company's failure would "disproportionately harm the economy" - but only once all other options had been exhausted.
A spokeswoman said: "We are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer."
Under the new plan - named Project Birch - Chancellor Rishi Sunak has increased the Treasury's capacity to handle bespoke bailouts of viable companies.
It means the government is prepared to be a lender of last resort across all sectors of the economy, and not just in the aviation sector as Mr Sunak previously suggested in a private letter.
Although the Treasury could end up buying stakes in crucial businesses facing acute financial problems exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, it is believed that the government's preferred option involves extending loans.
Companies in the steel, aviation and aerospace industries are among those in dire straits.
Earlier this month, Sky News reported that the UK government had set up a unit, known as Project Birch, to assess companies' requests for support during the pandemic.
Among the companies which asked ministers for urgent help are Tata Steel UK, owner of the Port Talbot steelworks, the supercar maker McLaren, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Last week, the chancellor warned of a "severe recession the likes of which we haven't seen" after official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims.
He told a parliamentary committee that there was "more hardship to come" after the data showed 856,500 people submitted jobless benefit applications in April.
Mr Sunak indicated that despite the government's "unprecedented" effort to prevent mass unemployment, it "won't be able to protect every job and every business".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 24 April: 'Branson can bail himself out'
The Treasury is already bankrolling 80% of wages for eight million temporarily laid-off workers under its Job Retention Scheme.
This has cost £11bn so far, and the latest official estimates suggest this could rise to £50bn.
The scheme is designed to dissuade business crippled by the lockdown from permanently dismissing employees, with their salaries subsidised by the taxpayer until they can return to work.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--PM admits reopening schools on 1 June will be 'tough' but remains committed

The prime minister has admitted it will be `` tough '' to reopen schools at the start of next month but has pledged to work with English councils to ease the process .
Boris Johnson , who replaced Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick at the Downing Street briefing on Sunday , acknowledged the planned reopening date of 1 June may not be possible for all schools but remained committed to it .
During the press conference , which was hosted by the PM after his top aide Dominic Cummings came under fire for allegedly breaking lockdown rules , Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is going to be tough .
`` What we will do is make sure that we stagger things , we pace things and we work directly with you , with local authorities , to make sure that there is a plan . ''
He said the key to fully reopening schools by September `` at the very latest '' is to `` keep pushing down '' the coronavirus R value , the rate at which the disease is transmitted .
`` That is going to be the most effective way to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our economy is ready to go back as fast as possible , '' he added .
`` I acknowledge that the 1 June opening may not be possible for all schools but the government will continue to support and work with the sector so that any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open more widely as soon as possible . ''
Downing Street added the date would only go ahead if five tests are passed by Thursday 28 May , which include data to show a `` sustained and consistent fall in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in measures would not trigger a second peak of COVID-19 .
As originally revealed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier this month , the phased reopening will begin with reception , years one and six , nurseries and other early years providers .
Secondary schools , sixth forms and colleges will then provide `` face-to-face contact '' from 15 June for Year 10 , Year 12 and equivalent 16-19 further education students to help them prepare for exams next year .
Guidance for schools returning on 1 June , published by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others • Staggered break and lunch times , as well as drop offs and pickups • Increasing the frequency of cleaning , reducing the used of shared items and utilising outdoor space The commitment comes after a row broke out between unions , local councils and the Conservative government over when schools should reopen .
A total of 27 councils - nearly all Labour-run - said on Friday they are either opposed to or cautious about schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions and scientific advisers on 15 May - instigated by Mr Williamson to break the deadlock - resulted in teachers ' union NASUWT describing it as `` flimsy as best '' .
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson also told Sky News he was prepared to defy government guidance .
He said at the time : `` I will only allow schools to let children , teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it 's safe to do so .
This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of children . ''
Since then , the talks have been described as a `` constructive period of consultation '' by the PM 's team .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Friday , shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey urged the government to move towards the `` test , track and trace '' method before reopening schools .
After the press conference , Downing Street confirmed that children , staff and families would have access to testing if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive tests would result in a test and trace approach .

The prime minister has admitted it will be "tough" to reopen schools at the start of next month but has pledged to work with English councils to ease the process.
Boris Johnson, who replaced Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick at the Downing Street briefing on Sunday, acknowledged the planned reopening date of 1 June may not be possible for all schools but remained committed to it.
During the press conference, which was hosted by the PM after his top aide Dominic Cummings came under fire for allegedly breaking lockdown rules, Mr Johnson said of pupils returning to class: "This is going to be tough.
Image: Boris Johnson pledged to help councils who are fearful about the 1 June date
"What we will do is make sure that we stagger things, we pace things and we work directly with you, with local authorities, to make sure that there is a plan."
He said the key to fully reopening schools by September "at the very latest" is to "keep pushing down" the coronavirus R value, the rate at which the disease is transmitted.
"That is going to be the most effective way to ensure that not just our schools but all our economy is ready to go back as fast as possible," he added.
"I acknowledge that the 1 June opening may not be possible for all schools but the government will continue to support and work with the sector so that any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open more widely as soon as possible."
Downing Street added the date would only go ahead if five tests are passed by Thursday 28 May, which include data to show a "sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rates" and that the change in measures would not trigger a second peak of COVID-19.
As originally revealed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier this month, the phased reopening will begin with reception, years one and six, nurseries and other early years providers.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:29 Ex-Ofsted chief supports reopening of schools
Secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will then provide "face-to-face contact" from 15 June for Year 10, Year 12 and equivalent 16-19 further education students to help them prepare for exams next year.
Guidance for schools returning on 1 June, published by the Department for Education on Sunday, included:
• Reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others
• Staggered break and lunch times, as well as drop offs and pickups
• Increasing the frequency of cleaning, reducing the used of shared items and utilising outdoor space
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The commitment comes after a row broke out between unions, local councils and the Conservative government over when schools should reopen.
A total of 27 councils - nearly all Labour-run - said on Friday they are either opposed to or cautious about schools opening their doors.
Meanwhile talks between unions and scientific advisers on 15 May - instigated by Mr Williamson to break the deadlock - resulted in teachers' union NASUWT describing it as "flimsy as best".
Image: A classroom in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is seen operating under the new guidelines
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson also told Sky News he was prepared to defy government guidance.
He said at the time: "I will only allow schools to let children, teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it's safe to do so. This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics, it's got everything to do with the safety of children."
Since then, the talks have been described as a "constructive period of consultation" by the PM's team.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Friday, shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey urged the government to move towards the "test, track and trace" method before reopening schools.
After the press conference, Downing Street confirmed that children, staff and families would have access to testing if they show COVID-19 symptoms.
It added any positive tests would result in a test and trace approach.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--'I don't regret what I did': Cummings defends himself over lockdown trips

Dominic Cummings says he does not `` regret '' driving from London to County Durham despite the coronavirus lockdown restrictions , saying he believes he behaved `` reasonably '' .
In an unprecedented news conference in Downing Street , the prime minister 's senior adviser confirmed he , his wife and young child made the 260-mile journey at the end of March after she developed coronavirus symptoms .
He said he took the decision because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus , and concerns about his family 's safety .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Cummings said .
`` I was trying to balance all of these very complicated things . ''
Mr Cummings said that after staying at his parents ' farm , the family-of-three then went for a `` test drive '' to Barnard Castle - 30 minutes away - to check if he was well enough to drive home 15 days after he had developed COVID-19 symptoms .
He added : `` My wife was very worried , particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been . ''
Mr Cummings said a passer-by spotted them but none of the family went near the person and he followed social distancing measures .
He told reporters in Downing Street 's rose garden that he was in `` exceptional circumstances '' for having to seek childcare arrangements in case he and his wife were incapacitated .
Mr Cummings ' wife , the journalist Mary Wakefield , fell ill on 27 March - which led to his decision to swiftly leave Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera in Downing Street .
He said he `` was n't looking for loopholes '' in the rules to justify his trips , adding : `` It 's not a simple matter of regulations ...
It does n't say you should stay at home in all circumstances . ''
He confirmed he did not seek Boris Johnson 's permission in advance of travelling to Durham because the PM `` had a million things on his plate '' but they discussed it `` in the week after it happened '' .
`` I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what do you think about this ... maybe I should have done , '' he told Sky News ' political editor Beth Rigby .
Mr Cummings said he could not have remained in the isolated cottage in Durham for weeks afterwards because he was part of vital work in Downing Street to combat the coronavirus pandemic and needed to `` relieve the intense strain at Number 10 '' .
He also confirmed he has `` not considered '' offering to resign despite calls for him to step down from 20 Tory MPs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been given at the time or when media reports first surfaced , he said : `` In retrospect , I think it would have been better to set this out earlier . ''
Mr Cummings denied reports he was spotted again visiting Durham a week after he went back to London , saying : `` Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false , I was in London on that day . ''
Senior cabinet ministers rallied round the former Vote Leave boss afterwards , with Michael Gove saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted legally and reasonably '' and Dominic Raab tweeting he gave `` a detailed account of his actions and how he followed the rules applicable to his family '' .
Labour said `` the British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown '' but `` they got none '' .
A party spokesperson said : `` Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown .
Families have been forced apart , sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances .
They stayed at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And yet , the message from this government is clear : it 's one rule for Boris Johnson 's closest adviser , another for everybody else . ''
Mr Johnson has given Mr Cummings his full backing , saying he `` followed the instincts of every father and every parent '' and `` acted responsibly and legally and with integrity '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sorry seemed to be the hardest word for the PM 's right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister taking a solo news conference for 70 minutes in the Number 10 rose garden , about his own conduct , is not a spectacle Westminster has seen before or is likely to again .
And after 72 hours which have rocked Boris Johnson 's government , as the PM and his cabinet swung behind Dominic Cummings in the face of growing anger , how did he do ?
Well , the key thing to say is there was no apology .
Mr Cummings confirmed he had travelled 260 miles to Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated there , in defiance of what most people took to be an instruction to stay at home .
He claimed he did not tell the prime minister about it - and that is the only aspect of this for which he expressed some regret .
Sympathy yes , for others in the same or worse situations who were unaware of the legal clause he uses to defend his conduct on the grounds of his `` extreme circumstances '' - including feeling as if his London home could be a target .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed the media reporting of his actions .
And there is the bizarre business about his half-hour drive to Barnard Castle from Durham in order to `` test his eyesight '' ahead of a drive back to London .
That will be picked over for some time .
What has stuck in the craw for many of his critics , including Tory MPs , is Mr Cummings perceived arrogance - refusing to give any explanation of his actions until this point other than to claim media reports were inaccurate .
Confirming that plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that at no point has he offered to resign or indeed considered it , wo n't endear him on that front .
All in all , Mr Cummings certainly did n't duck scrutiny , he took dozens of questions , and for a man often caricatured by his enemies , he appeared human and at times nervous .
He said he understood the `` intense hardship and sacrifice '' of others as a result of the lockdown he helped create , and asked people to understand him .
Many wo n't - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardest word .
But Number 10 will hope its just enough to save the prime minister 's right hand man .

Dominic Cummings says he does not "regret" driving from London to County Durham despite the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, saying he believes he behaved "reasonably".
In an unprecedented news conference in Downing Street, the prime minister's senior adviser confirmed he, his wife and young child made the 260-mile journey at the end of March after she developed coronavirus symptoms.
He said he took the decision because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his family's safety.
Image: Dominic Cummings has faced calls to step down
"I don't regret what I did," Mr Cummings said.
"I was trying to balance all of these very complicated things."
Mr Cummings said that after staying at his parents' farm, the family-of-three then went for a "test drive" to Barnard Castle - 30 minutes away - to check if he was well enough to drive home 15 days after he had developed COVID-19 symptoms.
He added: "My wife was very worried, particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease.
"She did not want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been."
Mr Cummings said a passer-by spotted them but none of the family went near the person and he followed social distancing measures.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by top adviser
He told reporters in Downing Street's rose garden that he was in "exceptional circumstances" for having to seek childcare arrangements in case he and his wife were incapacitated.
Mr Cummings' wife, the journalist Mary Wakefield, fell ill on 27 March - which led to his decision to swiftly leave Number 10 - actions that were caught on camera in Downing Street.
He said he "wasn't looking for loopholes" in the rules to justify his trips, adding: "It's not a simple matter of regulations... It doesn't say you should stay at home in all circumstances."
He confirmed he did not seek Boris Johnson's permission in advance of travelling to Durham because the PM "had a million things on his plate" but they discussed it "in the week after it happened".
"I can't go to him all day asking what do you think about this... maybe I should have done," he told Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby.
Mr Cummings said he could not have remained in the isolated cottage in Durham for weeks afterwards because he was part of vital work in Downing Street to combat the coronavirus pandemic and needed to "relieve the intense strain at Number 10".
He also confirmed he has "not considered" offering to resign despite calls for him to step down from 20 Tory MPs.
But when asked if these explanations should have been given at the time or when media reports first surfaced, he said: "In retrospect, I think it would have been better to set this out earlier."
Mr Cummings denied reports he was spotted again visiting Durham a week after he went back to London, saying: "Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false, I was in London on that day."
Senior cabinet ministers rallied round the former Vote Leave boss afterwards, with Michael Gove saying it was "clear" he "acted legally and reasonably" and Dominic Raab tweeting he gave "a detailed account of his actions and how he followed the rules applicable to his family".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules' - Tory ex-minister
Labour said "the British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown" but "they got none".
A party spokesperson said: "Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown. Families have been forced apart, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. They stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
"And yet, the message from this government is clear: it's one rule for Boris Johnson's closest adviser, another for everybody else."
Mr Johnson has given Mr Cummings his full backing, saying he "followed the instincts of every father and every parent" and "acted responsibly and legally and with integrity".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Sorry seemed to be the hardest word for the PM's right hand man
By Tamara Cohen, Sky News political correspondent
Extraordinary. Unprecedented.
An unelected adviser to the prime minister taking a solo news conference for 70 minutes in the Number 10 rose garden, about his own conduct, is not a spectacle Westminster has seen before or is likely to again.
And after 72 hours which have rocked Boris Johnson's government, as the PM and his cabinet swung behind Dominic Cummings in the face of growing anger, how did he do?
Well, the key thing to say is there was no apology.
Mr Cummings confirmed he had travelled 260 miles to Durham after his wife Mary fell ill and isolated there, in defiance of what most people took to be an instruction to stay at home.
He claimed he did not tell the prime minister about it - and that is the only aspect of this for which he expressed some regret.
Sympathy yes, for others in the same or worse situations who were unaware of the legal clause he uses to defend his conduct on the grounds of his "extreme circumstances" - including feeling as if his London home could be a target.
But for the public anger, he entirely blamed the media reporting of his actions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 'Out of the way': Embattled Cummings avoids questions
And there is the bizarre business about his half-hour drive to Barnard Castle from Durham in order to "test his eyesight" ahead of a drive back to London. That will be picked over for some time.
What has stuck in the craw for many of his critics, including Tory MPs, is Mr Cummings perceived arrogance - refusing to give any explanation of his actions until this point other than to claim media reports were inaccurate.
Confirming that plenty of it was accurate, and making clear that at no point has he offered to resign or indeed considered it, won't endear him on that front.
All in all, Mr Cummings certainly didn't duck scrutiny, he took dozens of questions, and for a man often caricatured by his enemies, he appeared human and at times nervous.
He said he understood the "intense hardship and sacrifice" of others as a result of the lockdown he helped create, and asked people to understand him. Many won't - especially as sorry seemed to be the hardest word.
But Number 10 will hope its just enough to save the prime minister's right hand man.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--All non-essential retail shops can reopen in England from 15 June, PM says

High street shops have been given the green light to start reopening from next week by Boris Johnson , as he tries to ease lockdown restrictions amid a huge public row over his top adviser .
The prime minister said outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June - so long as they keep customers safe .
All other non-essential retailers - including shops selling clothes , shoes , toys , furniture , books , and electronics , plus tailors , auction houses , photography studios , and indoor markets - can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 June .
Employers will face `` spot checks '' to make sure they are implementing social distancing , and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers .
Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff , including : • Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance • Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor • Placing protective coverings on large items touched by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly , including self-checkouts , trolleys , coffee machines and betting terminals Mr Johnson announced the next steps in his plan to `` unlock the lockdown '' at Monday 's Downing Street news briefing , nine weeks since the strict `` stay at home '' measures began .
But they came as he faced continued questions about his support for Dominic Cummings following controversy over the senior adviser 's movements during lockdown .
On Monday , Mr Cummings admitted he travelled from London to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then for a `` test drive '' to a town 30 miles away to check he was well enough to drive home after he had been suffering from coronavirus .
Mr Johnson backed his special adviser after Mr Cummings gave a rare news conference , with the PM saying : `` I think he acted reasonably , legally and with integrity '' .
The prime minister also hinted he accepted mistakes could have been made about handling the coronavirus outbreak in the UK , which has so far killed 36,914 people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for any government to say `` it has n't learnt anything as it goes along '' .
Pressing on with his bid to steer England out of lockdown , Mr Johnson said the loosening of restrictions for non-essential shops is `` contingent upon progress '' of lowering COVID-19 infection rates and ensuring there will be no second peak .
`` These are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country , '' he announced .
`` And we can only take these steps thanks to what we have so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government said the plans had been outlined to the devolved administrations , who will make their own decisions about how to ease lockdown .
All four UK nations are loosening measures to allow people more freedom , but they do differ from each other as they make their own decisions on health .

High street shops can start reopening next month, Boris Johnson has said, as he moves to ease lockdown restrictions amid a huge public row over his top adviser.
The prime minister said outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June - so long as they keep customers safe.
All other non-essential retailers - including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets - can follow suit two weeks later, from 15 June.
Employers will face "spot checks" to make sure they are implementing social distancing, and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff, including:
:: Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance
:: Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor
:: Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas
:: Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals
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Mr Johnson announced the next steps in his plan to "unlock the lockdown" at Monday's Downing Street news briefing, nine weeks since the strict "stay at home" measures began.
But they came as he faced continued questions about his support for Dominic Cummings following controversy over the senior adviser's movements during lockdown.
On Monday, Mr Cummings admitted he travelled from London to Durham at the end of March, and then for a "test drive" to a town 30 miles away to check he was well enough to drive home after he had been suffering from coronavirus.
Mr Johnson backed his special adviser after Mr Cummings gave a rare news conference, with the PM saying: "I think he acted reasonably, legally and with integrity".
The prime minister also hinted he accepted mistakes could have been made about handling the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, which has so far killed 36,914 people.
He said it was "absolute folly" for any government to say "it hasn't learnt anything as it goes along".
Pressing on with his bid to steer England out of lockdown, Mr Johnson said the loosening of restrictions for non-essential shops is "contingent upon progress" of lowering COVID-19 infection rates and ensuring there will be no second peak.
"These are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country," he announced.
"And we can only take these steps thanks to what we have so far achieved together."
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The government said the plans had been outlined to the devolved administrations, who will make their own decisions about how to ease lockdown.
All four UK nations are loosening measures to allow people more freedom, but they do differ from each other as they make their own decisions on health.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--PM hit by resignation as battle over fate of adviser Dominic Cummings grows

A government minister has resigned over Dominic Cummings ' lockdown trips , piling on more pressure for the top Downing Street aide to be sacked .
Douglas Ross said the embattled adviser 's claim he had a valid excuse to travel during the coronavirus outbreak was `` not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked '' .
A senior Conservative figure predicted more resignations will follow as an MP yet to go public with their concerns told Sky News `` this is our black Wednesday '' - in reference to the 1992 financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record .
Mr Ross stepped down as a junior Scotland Office minister in a letter to Boris Johnson published on Tuesday morning .
He wrote : `` I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgement on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family .
`` However , these were decisions many others felt were not available to them .
`` As a father myself , my instinct is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son and wife .
We have been fortunate not to have caught this awful virus but if we did , we are prepared to follow the government advice and stay at home to contain this virus .
`` While the intentions may have been well-meaning , the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings ' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked .
`` I have constituents who did n't get to say goodbye to loved ones ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who did n't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government .
`` I can not in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right . ''
His letter was followed minutes later by praise by the former Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson , who said she was `` sorry '' to see a `` talented '' minister go .
Adam Tomkins , a Tory MSP , called the resignation a `` disaster '' and warned : `` It shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I suspect others will follow where Douglas has led . ''
Conservative backbencher William Wragg added his voice to the calls , tweeting : `` We can not 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 . ''
A Number 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson had thanked Mr Ross for his service and `` regrets '' his decision to quit .
Labour said Mr Ross had `` done the decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not acceptable to have one rule for Boris Johnson 's closest adviser , another for everybody else '' .
Meanwhile , the Scottish National Party said it shows `` this issue transcends politics - it is about protecting trust and confidence in the public health advice '' .
The resignation of an MP considered loyal and a rising star marks a severe blow for the prime minister , who hoped the fury from within his own party would die down .
Mr Johnson has stood by Mr Cummings for moving to his parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of March while Britons were told to `` stay at home '' at the start of lockdown .
The former Vote Leave boss said he had `` exceptional circumstances '' to decamp 260 miles north after his wife came down with COVID-19 symptoms and he sought childcare help from his family in case the couple were incapacitated .
Mr Cummings also admitted for the first time on Monday he made a trip to a beauty spot in the town of Barnard Castle , a 30-minute drive away , to check he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to London because his eyesight had been affected by the virus .
He has been defended for the journey , where he was spotted by a witness walking by a river , by senior colleagues .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the decision to have a `` test drive '' was `` wise '' .
He told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast on Tuesday : `` He was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 - an inevitably busy road ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel . ''
In an unprecedented news conference on Monday held in the Downing Street rose garden , Mr Cummings said he would not apologise , had no regrets and had not considered resigning .
So far at least 20 Tory MPs , as well as bishops and NHS staff , have called for Mr Cummings to be sacked .

Police have begun investigating Dominic Cummings's alleged breach of coronavirus lockdown rules as anger continues to grow among Conservative MPs about the actions of the prime minister's chief adviser.
More than 30 Tory MPs are now publicly calling for Mr Cummings, who is Boris Johnson's most senior aide, to resign or be sacked.
The burgeoning revolt within the Conservative Party has also seen one government minister quit.
Retired chemistry teacher Robert Lees, who made a complaint to police after claiming he saw Mr Cummings and his family on 12 April at Barnard Castle in County Durham, confirmed to Sky News that he was interviewed by two police officers on Monday night.
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: "We can confirm that, over the last few days, Durham Constabulary has received further information and complaints from members of the public and we are reviewing and examining that information."
Mr Cummings is accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling with his wife and child from London to Durham, where they isolated with suspected coronavirus at a property on his parents' farm.
In an unprecedented news conference on Monday, held in the Downing Street rose garden, Mr Cummings said he would not apologise, had no regrets and had not considered resigning.
The former Vote Leave boss said he had "exceptional circumstances" to decamp 260 miles north, after his wife came down with COVID-19 symptoms and he sought childcare help from his family in case the couple were incapacitated.
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As well as the public calls from Tory backbenchers for Mr Cummings to resign over the row, Moray MP Douglas Ross quit as a government minister on Tuesday.
He said Mr Cummings's claim he had a valid excuse to travel during the coronavirus outbreak was "not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked".
A senior Conservative figure predicted more resignations will follow.
And an MP yet to go public with their concerns told Sky News: "This is our Black Wednesday" - in reference to the 1992 financial crisis suffered by former prime minister John Major's Tory government.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 What does the public think of top aide's explanation?
Mr Ross stepped down as a junior Scotland Office minister in a letter to Mr Johnson published on Tuesday morning.
He wrote: "I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgement on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family.
"However, these were decisions many others felt were not available to them.
"As a father myself, my instinct is to always do what is best for my son and wife. We have been fortunate not to have caught this awful virus but if we did, we are prepared to follow the government advice and stay at home to contain this virus.
"While the intentions may have been well-meaning, the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked.
"I have constituents who didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government.
"I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right."
Image: Mr Cummings said he travelled to Durham to seek childcare
His letter was followed minutes later by praise by the former Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson, who said she was "sorry" to see a "talented" minister go.
Adam Tomkins, a Tory MSP, called the resignation a "disaster" and warned: "It shows exactly why Cummings should be sacked. I suspect others will follow where Douglas has led."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
Conservative backbencher William Wragg added his voice to the calls, tweeting: "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."
Image: Mr Cummings claimed he drove his family to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight
A Number 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson had thanked Mr Ross for his service and "regrets" his decision to quit.
Labour said Mr Ross had "done the decent thing" and understood "it's not acceptable to have one rule for Boris Johnson's closest adviser, another for everybody else".
Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party said it shows "this issue transcends politics - it is about protecting trust and confidence in the public health advice".
Image: Douglas Ross in 2017. Pic: Peter Jolly/Shutterstock
A YouGov poll carried out after Mr Cummings's lengthy statement on Monday found 71% of Britons thought he did break lockdown rules - up 3% from Sunday.
That includes a majority of Labour (88%), Liberal Democrat (86%) and Conservative (56%) supporters, and Remain (81%) and Leave (63%) backers.
In total 59% of those surveyed said Mr Cummings should resign, including a majority of Labour (76%) and Lib Dems (71%) as well as Remain (71%) and Leave (52%) voters - but falling to 46% among Conservatives.
Mr Johnson has stood by Mr Cummings for moving to his parents' farm in Durham from London at the start of March while Britons were told to "stay at home" at the start of lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
Mr Cummings also admitted for the first time on Monday he made a trip to a beauty spot in the town of Barnard Castle, a 30-minute drive away, saying he wanted to check he could see well enough to drive back to London because his eyesight had been affected by the virus.
He has been defended for the journey, where he was spotted by a witness walking by a river, by senior colleagues.
Image: Britons have been told to 'stay at home' since late March
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the decision to have a "test drive" was "wise".
He told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast on Tuesday: "He was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 - an inevitably busy road...
"I can understand why he just wanted to make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Cummings 'could have' gone straight to London
Analysis: 'As an ex-referee, he believes in rules'
By Joe Pike, political correspondent
You've probably never heard of Douglas Ross. But that's partly why his resignation is significant. Unlike some in parliament, he is not a trouble-maker.
Widely regarded as loyal, thoughtful and a talented communicator, Mr Ross backed Boris Johnson to be Conservative leader last Summer.
In contrast to many of the older Tory MPs speaking out against Mr Cummings, Douglas Ross is young in political terms and had a bright future ahead of him. He is 37-years-old and recently became a father. As a former professional football referee, he believes in rules.
And with a small majority of just 513, he knows he needs to be in step with the views of his constituents, some of whom he said in his resignation statement "didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones" and "could not mourn together".