skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--Cummings was 'wise' to test his eyesight with drive to Barnard Castle - Gove

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has defended Dominic Cummings after the senior aide said he had tested his eyesight with a 30-minute drive to a beauty spot during lockdown .
Mr Gove said Mr Cummings was `` wise '' to make the trip with his wife and child from Durham to Barnard Castle as he wanted to `` make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel '' before driving back to London .
Mr Cummings is under pressure from 20 Tory MPs , bishops and NHS staff to resign for claiming he had `` exceptional circumstances '' for travelling from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' farm in County Durham at the end of March to seek childcare help .
His refusal to apologise in the face of hypocrisy claims at an unprecedented Downing Street news conference after days of denials from Number 10 has raised more questions about his travels .
Explaining his visit to Barnard Castle the day before he drove back to London , Mr Cummings said : `` My wife was very worried , particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease .
`` She did not want to risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given how ill I had been .
We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely , we drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town .
`` We did not visit the castle , we did not walk around the town .
We parked by a river .
My wife and I discussed the situation , we agreed that I could drive safely , we should turn around and go home . ''
The drive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife 's birthday , however , and police chiefs have said if he was feeling unwell and his eyesight may have been impaired he should not have been driving .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Defending the move , Mr Gove told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` 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 just wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wheel . ''
Mr Cummings also faces further scrutiny on what he told the prime minister and when about his decision to self-isolate in Durham rather than at home in London .
`` At some point during the first week where we were both sick and in bed , I mentioned to him what I had done , '' said Mr Cummings .
`` Unsurprisingly , given the condition we were in , neither of us remember the conversation in any detail . ''
Later , asked what he knew about Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - who spent a week in hospital with coronavirus - said he had a lot on his plate at the time .
But he backed Mr Cummings ' eyesight claim .
`` I 'm finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years - because I think of the likely effects of this thing , '' said the PM .
`` So I 'm inclined to think that 's very , very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus . ''
Attempting to divert attention from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has announced that thousands of high street shops , department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure .
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June and shops selling clothes , shoes , toys , furniture , books , and electronics , plus tailors , auction houses , photography studios , and indoor markets , will be able to reopen from 15 June .
But as Mr Cummings continues to dominate headlines , the government is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the number of dead continuing to rise and the latest test numbers falling below the 100,000-a-day target .

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has defended Dominic Cummings after the senior aide said he had tested his eyesight with a 30-minute drive to a beauty spot during lockdown.
Mr Gove said Mr Cummings was "wise" to make the trip with his wife and child from Durham to Barnard Castle as he wanted to "make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel" before driving back to London.
Mr Cummings is under pressure from 20 Tory MPs, bishops and NHS staff to resign for claiming he had "exceptional circumstances" for travelling from his home in London to his parents' farm in County Durham at the end of March to seek childcare help.
His refusal to apologise in the face of hypocrisy claims at an unprecedented Downing Street news conference after days of denials from Number 10 has raised more questions about his travels.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:11 In full: Dominic Cummings' statement
Explaining his visit to Barnard Castle the day before he drove back to London, Mr Cummings said: "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. We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely, we drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town.
"We did not visit the castle, we did not walk around the town. We parked by a river. My wife and I discussed the situation, we agreed that I could drive safely, we should turn around and go home."
The drive to Barnard Castle was on Mr Cummings' wife's birthday, however, and police chiefs have said if he was feeling unwell and his eyesight may have been impaired he should not have been driving.
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Defending the move, Mr Gove told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "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 just wanted to make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel."
Mr Cummings also faces further scrutiny on what he told the prime minister and when about his decision to self-isolate in Durham rather than at home in London.
"At some point during the first week where we were both sick and in bed, I mentioned to him what I had done," said Mr Cummings. "Unsurprisingly, given the condition we were in, neither of us remember the conversation in any detail."
Later, asked what he knew about Mr Cummings' travels, the prime minister - who spent a week in hospital with coronavirus - said he had a lot on his plate at the time. But he backed Mr Cummings' eyesight claim.
"I'm finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years - because I think of the likely effects of this thing," said the PM. "So I'm inclined to think that's very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
Attempting to divert attention from the row over Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson has announced that thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure.
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June and shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be able to reopen from 15 June.
But as Mr Cummings continues to dominate headlines, the government is still battling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of dead continuing to rise and the latest test numbers falling below the 100,000-a-day target.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--Deaths linked to coronavirus have fallen to six-week low, official figures show

The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in six weeks , according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics .
It said 4,210 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in the seven days to Friday 15 May .
That is the lowest total since week ending 3 April , when 3,801 were registered .
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK has now exceeded 47,000 .
There were 42,173 fatalities in England and Wales up to 15 May ( and registered up to 23 May ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland said 3,546 deaths involving COVID-19 had happened north of the border up to 17 May .
Also last week , the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency said 664 deaths involving COVID-19 had been registered there up to 20 May .
Those figures together amount to 46,383 fatalities .
In addition , NHS England published figures on Monday showing a further 964 deaths between 16 and 24 May , bringing the total to more than 47,300 .
In its latest update , the ONS said the percentage of deaths involving coronavirus `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The highest regional number of COVID-19 deaths in the country - 620 - was in the North West for the second consecutive week .
In Wales , 180 deaths were registered in the week to 15 May , accounting for 23.3 % of the total .
Across England and Wales as a whole , the number of fatalities from all causes was 14,573 .
That is 3,380 lower than a fortnight before , but 4,385 more than the five-year average .
The greatest number of coronavirus fatalities continues to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week to 15 May , 37.2 % of deaths in care homes in England and Wales involved COVID-19 , down from 39.2 % two week before .
The news is bad - but not quite as bad as it looks .
In the week ending 15 May there were 4,385 more deaths in England and Wales than would historically happen in that week of the year .
That marked an increase on the previous week and looking at the numbers alone , you might start to worry that the country is facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Indeed , look across the whole of the UK and with excess deaths it 's a similar picture .
But do n't despair too much because in large part these deaths are the product of a registration anomaly .
The previous week , week 19 , included the VE Day bank holiday , which meant one fewer day to register deaths at offices around the country .
That might seem trivial but such things matter .
The likelihood is that the number of excess deaths across the country is still on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual a rate than you might have thought , to judge from last week 's numbers .
But the overall picture is still of a country where more people are dying of the disease and , perhaps , of other causes , than you would expect at this time of year .
In many other countries which have faced COVID-19 outbreaks - France , Italy , Spain - the number of people dying is now close to seasonal average levels .
In the UK , excess deaths remain elevated .
And when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another thing becomes apparent : the epicentre remains in care homes , where there are more excess deaths taking place than in hospitals or other settings .
In short , the mortality crisis has not gone away yet .
Look through the statistical anomalies and it 's not clear we are facing a second wave ; but the first wave is taking longer to come to an end than many had hoped .

The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in six weeks, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
It said 4,210 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in the seven days to Friday 15 May.
That is the lowest total since week ending 3 April, when 3,801 were registered.
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK has now exceeded 47,000, according to Office for National Statistics figures.
There were 42,173 fatalities in England and Wales up to 15 May (and registered up to 23 May).
Last week, the National Records of Scotland said 3,546 deaths involving COVID-19 had happened north of the border up to 17 May.
Also last week, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency said 664 deaths involving COVID-19 had been registered there up to 20 May.
Those figures together amount to 46,383 fatalities.
In addition, NHS England published figures on Monday showing a further 964 deaths between 16 and 24 May, bringing the total to more than 47,300.
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In its latest update, the ONS said the percentage of deaths involving coronavirus "continued to decrease across all English regions".
The highest regional number of COVID-19 deaths in the country - 620 - was in the North West for the second consecutive week.
In Wales, 180 deaths were registered in the week to 15 May, accounting for 23.3% of the total.
Across England and Wales as a whole, the number of fatalities from all causes was 14,573.
That is 3,380 lower than a fortnight before, but 4,385 more than the five-year average.
The greatest number of coronavirus fatalities continues to be in those aged 90 and over.
In the week to 15 May, 37.2% of deaths in care homes in England and Wales involved COVID-19, down from 39.2% two week before.
The Department of Health's figure for the total number of coronavirus-related UK deaths rose by 134 to 37,048 on Tuesday.
Analysis - Ed Conway, economics editor
The news is bad - but not quite as bad as it looks.
In the week ending 15 May there were 4,385 more deaths in England and Wales than would historically happen in that week of the year.
That marked an increase on the previous week and looking at the numbers alone, you might start to worry that the country is facing a second wave of deaths from the disease.
Indeed, look across the whole of the UK and with excess deaths it's a similar picture. But don't despair too much because in large part these deaths are the product of a registration anomaly.
The previous week, week 19, included the VE Day bank holiday, which meant one fewer day to register deaths at offices around the country.
That might seem trivial but such things matter. The likelihood is that the number of excess deaths across the country is still on its way down, but at more gradual a rate than you might have thought, to judge from last week's numbers.
But the overall picture is still of a country where more people are dying of the disease and, perhaps, of other causes, than you would expect at this time of year.
In many other countries which have faced COVID-19 outbreaks - France, Italy, Spain - the number of people dying is now close to seasonal average levels. In the UK, excess deaths remain elevated.
And when you look at where those deaths are happening another thing becomes apparent: the epicentre remains in care homes, where there are more excess deaths taking place than in hospitals or other settings.
In short, the mortality crisis has not gone away yet. Look through the statistical anomalies and it's not clear we are facing a second wave; but the first wave is taking longer to come to an end than many had hoped.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--Coronavirus lockdown: Which shops will open next month?

After 10 weeks of lockdown , thousands of high street shops , department stores and markets across England can start reopening from next month .
At a daily news briefing in Downing Street - overshadowed by Dominic Cummings ' response to claims he broke lockdown rules - the prime minister outlined which businesses can begin trading again from Monday .
Boris Johnson said Step 2 of the plan to `` unlock the lockdown '' , in place since 23 March , would see the following changes .
• Outdoor markets and spacious car showrooms can open , as the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the risk of catching COVID-19 is lower outside where it is generally easier to apply social distancing • All other non-essential retailers , including shops selling clothes and indoor markets , can follow suit .
The government says it has issued guidance for people who `` work in or run shops , branches , stores or similar environments '' .
The guidance also applies to those currently open , such as banks , post offices and chemists .
On its website , it has listed shops and branches as follows : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , museums , libraries , heritage sites and tourism sites Shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies have remained open throughout the pandemic , and have introduced new safety measures , such as hand sanitisers for customer and staff use , floor markings and protective screens at checkouts .
• Hairdressers , nail bars , beauty salons , and the hospitality sector , as the government says `` the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person-to-person contact is required '' .
But Mr Johnson says the reopening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 secure '' and that they must show `` customers will be kept safe '' .
Employers will face `` spot checks '' to ensure they are implementing social distancing , and have been told they need to complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers .
Shops 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 The PM has also said any changes will be contingent upon progress against five tests set by the government for relaxing restrictions .
The government has previously outlined those tests as follows : • To make sure the NHS can cope by providing sufficient critical care across the UK • To see a sustained and consistent fall in daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond the peak • Reliable data to show the infection rate is falling to manageable levels • There is enough testing and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to meet future demand • Any changes in restrictions would not lead to a second peak : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson said the government would set out formal assessment of the five tests later this week .
Also from 1 June , some primary schools in England are due to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 6 welcoming younger pupils back to class .
Secondary school students with exams next year , will return from 15 June .

After 11 weeks of lockdown, thousands of high street shops, department stores and markets across England - as well as zoos and safari parks - can start reopening from next week.
In the latest easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, from Monday 15 June non-essential shops will be able to open their doors for the first time since 23 March.
And zoos and other outdoor attractions where people stay in their cars, such as safari parks and drive-in cinemas, will also be allowed to reopen on the same day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Pubs and restaurants not opening yet
However, other businesses - including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers - will remain shut until 4 July at the earliest.
Here's how the lockdown is being eased:
From 15 June:
Non-essential retailers, including clothes shops and indoor markets, will be allowed to reopen if they have completed a COVID-19 risk assessment and can implement social distancing measures
risk assessment and can implement social distancing measures Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas can also reopen
The government says it has issued guidance for people who "work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments".
The guidance also applies to those currently open, such as banks, post offices and chemists.
On its website, it has listed shops and branches as follows:
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food retailers
chemists
hardware/homeware stores
fashion shops
charity shops
betting shops and arcades
tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
car dealerships
auction houses
antique stores
retail art galleries
photography studios
gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
mobile phone stores
indoor and outdoor markets
craft fairs
similar types of retail
Shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and have introduced new safety measures, such as hand sanitisers for customer and staff use, floor markings and protective screens at checkouts.
From 4 July at the earliest:
Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, nail bars and the hospitality sector will remain shut until at least next month
The government says "the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person-to-person contact is required".
What has already been allowed?
From 1 June:
Outdoor markets and spacious car showrooms were allowed to reopen, as the government said that, as with garden centres, the risk of catching COVID-19 is lower outside where it is generally easier to apply social distancing
From 8 June:
Dentists have been able to resume providing face-to-face care
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Shops that are planning to reopen 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
The government has repeatedly said any changes to lockdown measures will be contingent upon progress against five tests set for relaxing restrictions.
These are:
To make sure the NHS can cope by providing sufficient critical care across the UK
To see a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates with confidence the UK is beyond the peak
Reliable data to show the infection rate is falling to manageable levels
There is enough testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet future demand
Any changes in restrictions would not lead to a second peak
The picture in the other parts of the UK is mixed, with all shops allowed to open from Friday in Northern Ireland.
But no dates have been set for the reopening of non-essential shops in Scotland and Wales, although each country has set out its planned stages for lifting lockdown.
Scotland:
One other household can be met in public spaces/parks in small numbers under social distancing
Short distances can be travelled for leisure and exercise
Some workplaces will reopen
International border measures will be introduced
More staff will return to schools
More children will have access to critical childcare
Childminding and outdoor nursery provision can reopen
Outdoor workplaces will reopen with distancing measures in place, while the construction sector will also start to resume
The housing market will also begin to reopen
Drive-through food outlets and takeaways are open, but not their associated cafes
Garden centres are also back in business under social distancing rules
Unrestricted outdoor exercise is allowed if it is non-contact and distancing can be maintained
Golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming and angling are allowed in the local area
Household waste recycling centres have opened again
Many NHS services, including fertility treatment and community services, have restarted
In Wales, there will be no new guidelines until 19 June, the day after ministers must review rules, first minister Mark Drakeford said on Tuesday.
Restrictions were recently loosened to allow people to travel locally and meet individuals from another household.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--Has the master of messaging misread the public?

Dominic Cummings began his highly unusual press conference by saying that it had been many years since he 'd said anything on television .
Indeed , when I asked him for interviews in recent years , I 've had blunt refusals .
But a few months after his successful referendum campaign in 2016 , he agreed to be interviewed for a book I was writing about Brexit .
I spoke with him at his home in Islington for over an hour and a half , and to my knowledge he 's not given an interview like it since .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , I would conclude that in the last 48 hours , Boris Johnson 's most senior adviser has made a calculation .
Wrongly or rightly , he thinks people outside of the Westminster bubble , outside the media , will see this whole thing a bit differently and be less judgemental .
Several times during the 2016 referendum campaign his back was against the wall , and each time he told his team not to panic .
I imagine he 's said the same to Boris Johnson over his apparent breach of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firm belief that he is more in tune with people 's thinking than most politicians , journalists and columnists .
Certainly , when it came to EU campaigning , he is probably right about that .
For example , when President Obama told the British public that they would be `` at the back of the queue '' for a trade deal if they chose to leave the EU , it was considered a dark day for the Vote Leave campaign .
Cummings told me `` there were a lot of glum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he told his team : `` This only matters to the Westminster bubble .
`` What people on the media are saying and what you are seeing on TV is not the same as what people think , so do n't get psyched out .
We 'll go off to focus groups and we will find out next week what the true picture is , but do n't worry about it . ''
From the focus groups Cummings concluded that Obama had gone in too hard .
He told me : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to be good for you guys ' in a much gentler way people would have heard him and thought , 'oh that 's not good ' , but the 'back of the queue ' people 's reaction then was n't 'were going to suffer ' it was 'who is this guy coming over here and what deal have they done behind the scenes to help Cameron ? '
'' As someone who has never considered himself an establishment figure Cummings could n't bear the thought that people might now be wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him and what backroom deals have allowed him to keep his job .
`` I 'm not a party person .
I get involved in things I think are worthwhile , '' he said back in 2016 as we sat in his front room .
He 's never considered himself a Conservative or indeed a member of any establishment group .
For many years he stood outside and looked in , mostly with a critical eye .
Which is why even when David Cameron was at the height of his popularity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2015 election with a majority , Cummings was plotting how to defeat him in the referendum .
He told me people did n't appreciate that `` I 'd happily chop David Cameron 's head off every day in order to win '' .
Cummings had fostered a contempt for politicians ever since he 'd joined Business for Sterling in December 1998 - the campaign to keep the pound .
The lesson he says he learned from this first dabbling in politics was that `` 99 % of MPs are dreadful characters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got to exclude them '' .
He added , the EU issue in particular attracted `` a particularly unbalanced set of people .
`` The Eurosceptic world is a very odd world populated by very odd people , '' he said .
`` Generally , not always but generally , the longer they have been involved in it , the higher the probability that they will be odd . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker His efforts to push many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vote Leave campaign did n't win him many friends and there had been an attempt in January 2016 to get him sacked , which he 'd managed to survive .
Interestingly one MP who 'd stood by him at that time , Steve Baker , was one of the first to come out and say he should be sacked over the alleged lockdown breach .
Cummings had written in the Spectator in January 2017 : `` Steve Baker often disagreed with me , sometimes very strongly , but he was a rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man . ''
This time Mr Baker did n't have his back , but it seems Johnson still does .
It was clear from talking to Cummings that Johnson was to him , a rare thing - a politician he respected , along with Michael Gove , who he had worked for in the Department of Education .
The bond of mutual respect between the two grew stronger in that extraordinary campaign .
Cummings is of course credited with the hugely successful slogan Take Back Control and it 's true to an extent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did so - not by musing for hours or writing slogans on a wall as conveyed in the C4 film where he is played by Benedict Cumberbatch .
No , he came up with it by trudging through focus groups and listening to people .
His slogans are so potent because they come from the mouths of the British public .
In 2014 he conducted focus groups to assess attitudes to the EU renegotiation and a possible In / Out referendum .
In a 19-page report he produced in June that year for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control is mentioned numerous times and Cummings comes to a very telling conclusion .
In it , two years before the referendum , he writes : `` In a referendum it would be important for the OUT campaign not to take specific positions on any issues as this would only split the campaign .
`` Instead the OUT campaign should simply say 'whether you think X or Y about Z , the most important thing is that we take back control of Z . ''
For example , keep it vague on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bad thing and just talk about having control of it .
The slogan of the 2019 General election campaign Get Brexit Done was equally vague - allowing anyone to project their own desires as to what getting it done might look like .
The problem with vague and aspirational is it does n't work for pandemic messaging .
With the easing of the lockdown came the message Stay Alert and people were suddenly asking themselves what they did n't ask about Take Back Control or Get Brexit Done - what does it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear message , people thought - but now Mr Cummings has suggested that due to exceptional circumstances he was right to not stay at home .
So here comes the gamble , which many will see as characteristically maverick of both him and his prime minister .
Are people outside the bubble thinking he was just a father doing the best for his son ?
Or is he now , as he would hate to see himself , part of the establishment , one of those experts you ca n't trust , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Both Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings will be hoping the aide's trip won't be seen as a case of "don't do as I do, do as I say".
Dominic Cummings began his highly unusual press conference by saying that it had been many years since he'd said anything on television.
Indeed, when I asked him for interviews in recent years, I've had blunt refusals.
But a few months after his successful referendum campaign in 2016, he agreed to be interviewed for a book I was writing about Brexit.
I spoke with him at his home in Islington for over an hour and a half, and to my knowledge he's not given an interview like it since.
From what I learned of him in that meeting, I would conclude that in the last 48 hours, Boris Johnson's most senior adviser has made a calculation. Wrongly or rightly, he thinks people outside of the Westminster bubble, outside the media, will see this whole thing a bit differently and be less judgemental.
Several times during the 2016 referendum campaign his back was against the wall, and each time he told his team not to panic. I imagine he's said the same to Boris Johnson over his apparent breach of the lockdown rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
Dominic Cummings has a firm belief that he is more in tune with people's thinking than most politicians, journalists and columnists.
Certainly, when it came to EU campaigning, he is probably right about that. For example, when President Obama told the British public that they would be "at the back of the queue" for a trade deal if they chose to leave the EU, it was considered a dark day for the Vote Leave campaign.
Cummings told me "there were a lot of glum faces" in the office that day but he told his team: "This only matters to the Westminster bubble.
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"What people on the media are saying and what you are seeing on TV is not the same as what people think, so don't get psyched out. We'll go off to focus groups and we will find out next week what the true picture is, but don't worry about it."
From the focus groups Cummings concluded that Obama had gone in too hard. He told me: "If Obama had said 'look this is not going to be good for you guys' in a much gentler way people would have heard him and thought, 'oh that's not good', but the 'back of the queue' people's reaction then wasn't 'were going to suffer' it was 'who is this guy coming over here and what deal have they done behind the scenes to help Cameron?'"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 April 2016: Obama In New Warning Over Brexit
As someone who has never considered himself an establishment figure Cummings couldn't bear the thought that people might now be wondering what's going on behind the scenes with him and what backroom deals have allowed him to keep his job.
"I'm not a party person. I get involved in things I think are worthwhile," he said back in 2016 as we sat in his front room. He's never considered himself a Conservative or indeed a member of any establishment group. For many years he stood outside and looked in, mostly with a critical eye.
Which is why even when David Cameron was at the height of his popularity in the Tory camp, having unexpectedly won the 2015 election with a majority, Cummings was plotting how to defeat him in the referendum. He told me people didn't appreciate that "I'd happily chop David Cameron's head off every day in order to win".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 'It's disappointing' say Durham residents
Cummings had fostered a contempt for politicians ever since he'd joined Business for Sterling in December 1998 - the campaign to keep the pound. The lesson he says he learned from this first dabbling in politics was that "99% of MPs are dreadful characters and if you want anything professionally organised you've got to exclude them".
He added, the EU issue in particular attracted "a particularly unbalanced set of people.
"The Eurosceptic world is a very odd world populated by very odd people," he said.
"Generally, not always but generally, the longer they have been involved in it, the higher the probability that they will be odd."
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His efforts to push many traditional Eurosceptic politicians to the sidelines during the Vote Leave campaign didn't win him many friends and there had been an attempt in January 2016 to get him sacked, which he'd managed to survive.
Interestingly one MP who'd stood by him at that time, Steve Baker, was one of the first to come out and say he should be sacked over the alleged lockdown breach.
Cummings had written in the Spectator in January 2017: "Steve Baker often disagreed with me, sometimes very strongly, but he was a rare person in the campaign - an honest man."
This time Mr Baker didn't have his back, but it seems Johnson still does. It was clear from talking to Cummings that Johnson was to him, a rare thing - a politician he respected, along with Michael Gove, who he had worked for in the Department of Education. The bond of mutual respect between the two grew stronger in that extraordinary campaign.
Cummings is of course credited with the hugely successful slogan Take Back Control and it's true to an extent that he created it. But he did so - not by musing for hours or writing slogans on a wall as conveyed in the C4 film where he is played by Benedict Cumberbatch. No, he came up with it by trudging through focus groups and listening to people. His slogans are so potent because they come from the mouths of the British public.
Image: Michael Gove and Boris Johnson in front of the Take Back Control slogan
In 2014 he conducted focus groups to assess attitudes to the EU renegotiation and a possible In / Out referendum. In a 19-page report he produced in June that year for the Eurosceptic movement the phrase Take Back Control is mentioned numerous times and Cummings comes to a very telling conclusion.
In it, two years before the referendum, he writes: "In a referendum it would be important for the OUT campaign not to take specific positions on any issues as this would only split the campaign.
"Instead the OUT campaign should simply say 'whether you think X or Y about Z, the most important thing is that we take back control of Z."
For example, keep it vague on whether you think immigration is a good or a bad thing and just talk about having control of it.
Image: The 2019 Conservative election slogan was vague enough for it to be interpreted in different ways
The slogan of the 2019 General election campaign Get Brexit Done was equally vague - allowing anyone to project their own desires as to what getting it done might look like.
The problem with vague and aspirational is it doesn't work for pandemic messaging. With the easing of the lockdown came the message Stay Alert and people were suddenly asking themselves what they didn't ask about Take Back Control or Get Brexit Done - what does it actually mean?
Stay At Home was a clear message, people thought - but now Mr Cummings has suggested that due to exceptional circumstances he was right to not stay at home.
So here comes the gamble, which many will see as characteristically maverick of both him and his prime minister.
Are people outside the bubble thinking he was just a father doing the best for his son?
Or is he now, as he would hate to see himself, part of the establishment, one of those experts you can't trust, out of touch with the people?


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--PM hit by resignation over Cummings - as police open investigation amid new complaints

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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As well as the public calls from Tory backbenchers for Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 '' .
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 .
Mr Ross stepped down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ; families who could not mourn together ; people who did n't visit sick relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 exactly why Cummings should be sacked .
I suspect others will follow where Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 thing '' and understood `` it 's not acceptable to have one rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 '' .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the decision to have a `` test drive '' was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' 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 . ''
Analysis : 'As an ex-referee , he believes in rules' 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` did n't get to say goodbye to loved ones '' and `` could not mourn together '' .

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".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders are worried about a Cummings rebound

His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders are worried about a Cummings rebound His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders are worried about a Cummings rebound The Tory and government machine appear worried about the power Mr Cummings may have if he rebounds Forget , briefly , about Dominic Cummings , the fate of whom could still go either way .
The last few days have thrown light on some rather inglorious nooks and crannies of British politics which ought to be recorded before this unedifying affair disappears from view , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing is about differing attitudes to what constitutes truth .
This is a particularly live question after the prime minister went on the attack against The Guardian in yesterday 's press conference for getting things wrong .
Yet getting things right is not always straightforward .
Boris Johnson 's spokesman told journalists repeatedly during April that Mr Cummings was `` at home '' .
Mr Cummings has now confirmed that he was not , but was convalescing on a property on his parents ' estate .
So why in April did the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home when he was not ?
Today , political journalists were told that when the spokesman was saying Mr Cummings was at home , in fact the spokesman in fact did n't know where he was .
`` It was very obvious at the time that what I was setting out was that he was n't at work '' , the prime minister 's spokesman said today .
But if you do n't know something , why guess the answer ?
Then there 's the question of the role of Number 10 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesman opened a written statement with the line : `` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus… '' .
At Monday 's press conference Mr Cummings corrected this - saying that she did not have symptoms at the moment his family embarked on the 260-mile journey to Durham .
The difference would appear critical .
But asked today , Number 10 did not attempt to explain the conflicts between the two statements , beyond referring journalists to what Mr Cummings said in the press conference .
Saturday night 's Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings 's journeys suggest they feel under siege , and in this mode think there is no need to fuel hostility towards them by answering every accusation levelled by what they see as partisan actors .
Every government has had to make similar judgements , and not answer every question completely .
But journeying so far in the other direction , they have lost the Daily Mail , the chief executive of the Conservative Home website , 52 % of Brexit voters and more than 30 of their own MPs .
Around 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public with demands the PM yank Mr Cummings out of office .
But what of the others , facing inboxes of up to 800 emails , in which only 10 are supportive of Mr Cummings ?
Either through a genuine desire to support Mr Cummings , or a desire not to cause trouble , they have found ever more Delphic ways of avoiding saying what they think .
We have first-hand evidence since , unusually , public anger is such that they are leaking their correspondence in large numbers .
Take fence-sitter Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who wrote to one constituent of his `` frustration '' at the affair and that people who write the rules should stick to them .
He said this raises `` integrity '' questions but declines to answer the question asked .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Or new Kensington MP Felicity Buchan , who acknowledges the sacrifices of constituents during lockdown .
She says : `` I have fed your views on the subject to government '' , but adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue does not become all consuming '' .
So what does she actually think ?
Ex-cabinet minister Chris Grayling is similar , communicating `` the concern of my constituents and my own views were very clearly communicated to Downing Street '' - without saying what they are .
Then the fascinating response of Jeremy Hunt , who is in a powerful position .
The health select committee chairman thinks Mr Cummings is in `` clear breach '' of lockdown rules when the guidelines were `` crystal clear '' .
But he adds - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre of media storms '' - he does not believe it right to call for Mr Cummings 's resignation .
What to make of that ?
Even in his weakened state , the Tory and government machine at all levels appears worried about Mr Cummings and the power he will have if he rebounds .
Maybe this is the reason he wo n't leave his job .
Equally , this is why he may be forced to .

The Tories have lost the support of more than 30 of their own MPs - but the future of the PM's top adviser is still unclear.
His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders are worried about a Cummings rebound
The Tory and government machine appear worried about the power Mr Cummings may have if he rebounds
Forget, briefly, about Dominic Cummings, the fate of whom could still go either way.
The last few days have thrown light on some rather inglorious nooks and crannies of British politics which ought to be recorded before this unedifying affair disappears from view, which it will do eventually.
The first thing is about differing attitudes to what constitutes truth.
This is a particularly live question after the prime minister went on the attack against The Guardian in Monday's press conference for getting things wrong.
Yet getting things right is not always straightforward.
Boris Johnson's spokesman told journalists repeatedly during April that Mr Cummings was "at home".
Mr Cummings has now confirmed that he was not, but was convalescing on a property on his parents' estate.
So why in April did the spokesman volunteer more than once he was at home when he was not?
On Tuesday, political journalists were told that when the spokesman was saying Mr Cummings was at home, in fact the spokesman didn't know where he was.
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"It was very obvious at the time that what I was setting out was that he wasn't at work", the prime minister's spokesman said.
But if you don't know something, why guess the answer?
Then there's the question of the role of Number 10 in the shifting stories.
On Saturday, a spokesman opened a written statement with the line: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus…"
At Monday's press conference Mr Cummings corrected this - saying that she did not have symptoms at the moment his family embarked on the 260-mile journey to Durham.
The difference would appear critical.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The morning after: Cummings leaves home
But asked on Tuesday, Number 10 did not attempt to explain the conflicts between the two statements, beyond referring journalists to what Mr Cummings said in the press conference.
Saturday night's Number 10 response to fresh reports of Mr Cummings's journeys suggest they feel under siege, and in this mode think there is no need to fuel hostility towards them by answering every accusation levelled by what they see as partisan actors.
Every government has had to make similar judgements, and not answer every question completely.
But journeying so far in the other direction, they have lost the Daily Mail, the chief executive of the Conservative Home website, 52% of Brexit voters and more than 30 of their own MPs.
Around 10% of the parliamentary party have gone public with demands the PM yank Mr Cummings out of office.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Cummings: 'I behaved reasonably'
But what of the others, facing inboxes of up to 800 emails, in which only 10 are supportive of Mr Cummings?
Either through a genuine desire to support Mr Cummings, or a desire not to cause trouble, they have found ever more Delphic ways of avoiding saying what they think.
We have first-hand evidence since, unusually, public anger is such that they are leaking their correspondence in large numbers.
Take fence-sitter Tom Tugendhat, a critic of Mr Johnson, who wrote to one constituent of his "frustration" at the affair and that people who write the rules should stick to them.
He said this raises "integrity" questions but declines to answer the question asked.
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Or new Kensington MP Felicity Buchan, who acknowledges the sacrifices of constituents during lockdown.
She says: "I have fed your views on the subject to government", but adds: "It is important that this issue does not become all consuming". So what does she actually think?
Ex-cabinet minister Chris Grayling is similar, communicating "the concern of my constituents and my own views were very clearly communicated to Downing Street" - without saying what they are.
Then the fascinating response of Jeremy Hunt, who is in a powerful position.
The health select committee chairman thinks Mr Cummings is in "clear breach" of lockdown rules when the guidelines were "crystal clear".
But he adds - "as someone who has been at the centre of media storms" - he does not believe it right to call for Mr Cummings's resignation. What to make of that?
Even in his weakened state, the Tory and government machine at all levels appears worried about Mr Cummings and the power he will have if he rebounds.
Maybe this is the reason he won't leave his job. Equally, this is why he may be forced to.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--'No review' of lockdown fines - despite Hancock promising a vicar he'd 'look at it'

The government will not review fines issued to families who travelled to get childcare in lockdown , Sky News understands – despite the health secretary promising a vicar in a TV briefing he would `` look at '' the issue .
After the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Sky 's deputy political editor Sam Coates said a government adviser had since stated that there was no `` formal review '' of lockdown fines .
`` As the hours go by , it 's looking like something a bit more sketchy , '' Coates said .
`` I understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that Mr Hancock was going to say that and Number 10 were n't that impressed , and within minutes the special adviser for Matt Hancock was calling round to make clear no such thing as a formal review was underway .
`` The steer from government now is that there will be no change in government policy on that . ''
During the briefing , a vicar called Martin Poole from Brighton asked Matt Hancock : `` Will the government review all penalty fines imposed on families travelling for childcare purposes during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of criticism of Dominic Cummings , a senior Number 10 adviser , who travelled to Durham from London to seek childcare for his four-year-old child in case him and his wife became `` incapacitated '' by COVID-19 .
Mr Hancock replied : `` We do understand the impact and the need for making sure that children get adequate childcare .
That is one of the significant concerns that we 've had all the way through this .
`` So I think especially coming from a man of the cloth , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'll have to talk to my Treasury colleagues before I can answer it in full and we 'll look at it and if we can get your details I 'll make sure we can write to you with a full answer and make an announcement from this podium . ''
After the briefing , Reverand Poole said it was `` disappointing '' that the government is no longer committing themselves to a review .
He told Sky News : `` I hope I 'm going to get an answer in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to get back to me .
`` It is a perfectly reasonable response to say 'we 're not going to do it ' but , if that 's the case , that is disappointing for all those people who have been treated in this way . ''
Rev Poole said his question to the health secretary was rooted in equality .
`` I think everything about this weekend and the kind of storm that 's going around… is about unfairness , '' he said .
`` I think people feel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that certain people can behave in a way that the rest of us are not allowed to '' I 'm very interested , as a vicar , in unfairness .
There are all sorts of different inequalities in our society at the moment and this is just one of them that needs to be sorted out and particularly for any families that have travelled , probably worried they were doing the wrong thing , and were stopped and charged a penalty notice , that should definitely be , as far as I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Rev Poole added : `` I do n't think any of us realised there was an element of discretion in these rules .
It seemed to me very clear that it was about staying at home .
And many millions of us have done that… so for me its about fairness . ''
He also said that he `` would like to see government ministers and advisers treated in the same way as everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a sense with government that they sometimes operate on a different set of principles to the rest of us '' .
Rev Poole would not be drawn on calling for Mr Cummings to resign , saying it was a matter for Mr Cummings and the prime minister .
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP , Labour 's Shadow Home Secretary , responding to the Government 's decision not to review fixed penalty notices issued to those who travelled in order to get childcare , said : `` The attempts from the Prime Minister to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser are quickly descending in to chaos and seriously undermining trust .
`` It 's now been made incredibly difficult to police vital public health guidance , as this flip-flop over fines shows .
The reality is it 's one rule for the most powerful people in Government and another for the rest of us , which is incredibly dangerous . ''
Government minister Douglas Ross has resigned over Mr Cummings 's lockdown trips and dozens of Conservative MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings 's resignation .
The PM 's senior adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons for travelling to his parents ' estate in County Durham when the lockdown was in force , saying he did not regret his actions .

The government will not review fines issued to families who travelled to get childcare in lockdown, Sky News understands – despite the health secretary promising a vicar in a TV briefing he would "look at" the issue.
After the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates said a government adviser had since stated that there was no "formal review" of lockdown fines.
"As the hours go by, it's looking like something a bit more sketchy," Coates said.
Image: Matt Hancock was questioned about lockdown fines during the government's coronavirus briefing
"I understand that senior figures in other departments weren't aware that Mr Hancock was going to say that and Number 10 weren't that impressed, and within minutes the special adviser for Matt Hancock was calling round to make clear no such thing as a formal review was underway.
"The steer from government now is that there will be no change in government policy on that."
During the briefing, a vicar called Martin Poole from Brighton asked Matt Hancock: "Will the government review all penalty fines imposed on families travelling for childcare purposes during lockdown?"
The question came after days of criticism of Dominic Cummings, a senior Number 10 adviser, who travelled to Durham from London to seek childcare for his four-year-old child in case him and his wife became "incapacitated" by COVID-19.
Mr Hancock replied: "We do understand the impact and the need for making sure that children get adequate childcare. That is one of the significant concerns that we've had all the way through this.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'It's about unfairness'
"So I think especially coming from a man of the cloth, that is perfectly reasonable to take away that question. I'll have to talk to my Treasury colleagues before I can answer it in full and we'll look at it and if we can get your details I'll make sure we can write to you with a full answer and make an announcement from this podium."
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After the briefing, Reverand Poole said it was "disappointing" that the government is no longer committing themselves to a review.
He told Sky News: "I hope I'm going to get an answer in some way, after Mr Hancock said he was going to get back to me.
"It is a perfectly reasonable response to say 'we're not going to do it' but, if that's the case, that is disappointing for all those people who have been treated in this way."
Rev Poole said his question to the health secretary was rooted in equality.
"I think everything about this weekend and the kind of storm that's going around… is about unfairness," he said.
"I think people feel a very strong sense that its not right that certain people can behave in a way that the rest of us are not allowed to
"I'm very interested, as a vicar, in unfairness. There are all sorts of different inequalities in our society at the moment and this is just one of them that needs to be sorted out and particularly for any families that have travelled, probably worried they were doing the wrong thing, and were stopped and charged a penalty notice, that should definitely be, as far as I'm concerned, refunded if that was allowed."
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Rev Poole added: "I don't think any of us realised there was an element of discretion in these rules. It seemed to me very clear that it was about staying at home. And many millions of us have done that… so for me its about fairness."
He also said that he "would like to see government ministers and advisers treated in the same way as everybody else," and that "there's a sense with government that they sometimes operate on a different set of principles to the rest of us".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The morning after: Cummings leaves home
Rev Poole would not be drawn on calling for Mr Cummings to resign, saying it was a matter for Mr Cummings and the prime minister.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Government's decision not to review fixed penalty notices issued to those who travelled in order to get childcare, said: "The attempts from the Prime Minister to defend the indefensible actions of his most senior adviser are quickly descending in to chaos and seriously undermining trust.
"It's now been made incredibly difficult to police vital public health guidance, as this flip-flop over fines shows. The reality is it's one rule for the most powerful people in Government and another for the rest of us, which is incredibly dangerous."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:28 Tory MPs call for Cummings to resign
Government minister Douglas Ross has resigned over Mr Cummings's lockdown trips and dozens of Conservative MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings's resignation.
The PM's senior adviser gave a statement on Monday on his reasons for travelling to his parents' estate in County Durham when the lockdown was in force, saying he did not regret his actions.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--'Local lockdowns' to be introduced in UK for future coronavirus 'flare-ups'

Future `` flare-ups '' of coronavirus infections could lead to localised lockdown measures , the health secretary has said .
Matt Hancock revealed stricter social distancing measures could be introduced in certain areas in future as part of the NHS `` test and trace '' system for continuing to suppress the spread of COVID-19 .
`` We will have local lockdowns in future where there are flare-ups , '' he said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Tuesday .
`` We have a system we are putting in place with a combination of Public Health England and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local directors of public health who play an absolutely crucial role in the decision-making in the system - to make sure if there is a local flare-up there is a local lockdown , '' he continued .
`` And so local lockdowns will be part of the future system that we put in place as part of the NHS test and trace system . ''
The government has said it will have 25,000 contact-tracers trained and ready to start work on 1 June .
Their role will be to trace and advise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus .
A contact-tracing NHS app has also been trialled on the Isle of Wight .
The government 's road map for easing lockdown restrictions set out how the Joint Biosecurity Centre would have a `` response function '' that could address local spikes in infections , in partnership with local public health agencies .
This could lead to local schools , businesses or workplaces being closed in areas with high prevalence of infection , it said .
The latest figures on confirmed cases show they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 495 confirmed cases per 100,000 population in Sunderland .
In parts of the South West , the figures are as low as 105 per 100,000 in South Somerset .
Barrow-in-Furness ( with 831 confirmed cases per 100,000 ) has the highest figure for England and the whole of the UK .
However , some regions may have done more testing than others , so they will have detected more cases .
Tuesday 's daily briefing was again dominated by questions about the actions of Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown rules .
Mr Hancock defended asking the public to self-isolate in the test and trace programme despite Mr Cummings 's actions , saying : `` They 're not doing it for me , people are doing this for their loved ones .
`` If you 're phoned up and asked to self-isolate even though you 're perfectly healthy because you 've been in close contact with somebody who 's tested positive , then it 's your civic duty to then self-isolate , for yourself , for your community , for your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together to do this . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock also used the daily briefing to reveal the government is to rebuild its stockpile of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
He said : `` I can announce that we have now signed contracts to manufacture two billion items of PPE here in the UK .
`` Around the world , we 've signed deals with over 100 new suppliers , including agreeing contracts for a further @ @ @ @ @

Future "flare-ups" of coronavirus infections could lead to localised lockdown measures, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock revealed stricter social distancing measures could be introduced in certain areas in future as part of the NHS "test and trace" system for continuing to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
"We will have local lockdowns in future where there are flare-ups," he said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Tuesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:37 UK to produce 2bn items of PPE
"We have a system we are putting in place with a combination of Public Health England and the new joint biosecurity centre - along with the local directors of public health who play an absolutely crucial role in the decision-making in the system - to make sure if there is a local flare-up there is a local lockdown," he continued.
"And so local lockdowns will be part of the future system that we put in place as part of the NHS test and trace system."
The government has said it will have 25,000 contact-tracers trained and ready to start work on 1 June.
Their role will be to trace and advise people who may have come into close contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus.
A contact-tracing NHS app has also been trialled on the Isle of Wight.
The government's road map for easing lockdown restrictions set out how the Joint Biosecurity Centre would have a "response function" that could address local spikes in infections, in partnership with local public health agencies.
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This could lead to local schools, businesses or workplaces being closed in areas with high prevalence of infection, it said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Excess deaths of 64,000 during pandemic
The latest figures on confirmed cases show they are relatively high in the North East, with 495 confirmed cases per 100,000 population in Sunderland.
In parts of the South West, the figures are as low as 105 per 100,000 in South Somerset.
Barrow-in-Furness (with 831 confirmed cases per 100,000) has the highest figure for England and the whole of the UK.
However, some regions may have done more testing than others, so they will have detected more cases.
Tuesday's daily briefing was again dominated by questions about the actions of Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser, who is accused of breaching lockdown rules.
Mr Hancock defended asking the public to self-isolate in the test and trace programme despite Mr Cummings's actions, saying: "They're not doing it for me, people are doing this for their loved ones.
"If you're phoned up and asked to self-isolate even though you're perfectly healthy because you've been in close contact with somebody who's tested positive, then it's your civic duty to then self-isolate, for yourself, for your community, for your family, and we all need to come together to do this."
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Mr Hancock also used the daily briefing to reveal the government is to rebuild its stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE).
He said: "I can announce that we have now signed contracts to manufacture two billion items of PPE here in the UK.
"Around the world, we've signed deals with over 100 new suppliers, including agreeing contracts for a further 3.7 billion gloves."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--Doubt over Cummings's claim he warned of coronavirus threat last year

Dominic Cummings appears to have edited a year-old blog post to add a mention of coronavirus on his first day back at work after recovering from the disease last month .
The prime minister 's chief adviser , who is currently facing calls to resign after being accused of flouting lockdown rules , said this week he had warned of the dangers of pandemics `` for years '' .
`` Last year I wrote about the possible threat of coronaviruses and the urgent need for planning , '' Mr Cummings said at a news conference on Monday defending his 260-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doubt has been cast on that claim after a search of Mr Cummings 's blog revealed the only mention of `` coronavirus '' was added to a post in an edit on 14 April this year .
Cached versions of the blog post , originally written on 4 March 2019 , show there was no specific mention of `` coronavirus '' before April this year .
But the post now includes a paragraph which describes a `` well-publicised incident in China in which two researchers conducting virus research were exposed to severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ samples that were incompletely inactivated '' .
The sitemap of Mr Cummings 's blog shows an edit to that post on 14 April .
This was the day , according to Mr Cummings 's account of his movements during lockdown , that he returned to work in 10 Downing Street after spending two weeks at his parents ' farm in Durham - more than 260 miles away from his London home .
The section about coronavirus that was apparently added last month replaces the words `` an example '' in the previous cached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the post did not mention coronavirus specifically but did link to a 2019 article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists , which makes the same reference to coronavirus that appears to have been later added to Mr Cummings 's blog .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Cummings 's blog does include 14 specific mentions of `` pandemic '' in both the post on 4 March 2019 and another written three days earlier .
Boris Johnson 's senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role following the high-profile row over his lockdown trips .
More than 30 MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked , despite the prime minister 's support for his top adviser .
Downing Street did not respond to Sky News ' requests for comment .

Dominic Cummings appears to have edited a year-old blog post to add a mention of coronavirus on his first day back at work after recovering from the disease last month.
The prime minister's chief adviser, who is currently facing calls to resign after being accused of flouting lockdown rules, said this week he had warned of the dangers of pandemics "for years".
"Last year I wrote about the possible threat of coronaviruses and the urgent need for planning," Mr Cummings said at a news conference on Monday defending his 260-mile trip to Durham during lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The morning after: Cummings leaves home
However, doubt has been cast on that claim after a search of Mr Cummings's blog revealed the only mention of "coronavirus" was added to a post in an edit on 14 April this year.
Cached versions of the blog post, originally written on 4 March 2019, show there was no specific mention of "coronavirus" before April this year.
But the post now includes a paragraph which describes a "well-publicised incident in China in which two researchers conducting virus research were exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus samples that were incompletely inactivated".
The sitemap of Mr Cummings's blog shows an edit to that post on 14 April.
This was the day, according to Mr Cummings's account of his movements during lockdown, that he returned to work in 10 Downing Street after spending two weeks at his parents' farm in Durham - more than 260 miles away from his London home.
The section about coronavirus that was apparently added last month replaces the words "an example" in the previous cached version of the post.
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The earlier version of the post did not mention coronavirus specifically but did link to a 2019 article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which makes the same reference to coronavirus that appears to have been later added to Mr Cummings's blog.
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Mr Cummings's blog does include 14 specific mentions of "pandemic" in both the post on 4 March 2019 and another written three days earlier.
Boris Johnson's senior aide is under pressure to quit his role following the high-profile row over his lockdown trips.
More than 30 MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked, despite the prime minister's support for his top adviser.
Downing Street did not respond to Sky News' requests for comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--Police 'break up birthday party' at Tory MP's house

The family of a Conservative MP have been reminded of the coronavirus lockdown guidelines following reports police broke up an illegal birthday party at his house .
Delyn MP Rob Roberts confirmed his family were `` reminded of the guidance set out by the government '' , which still currently forbid people to visit others in their homes .
He added he was `` 200 miles away '' in London at the time .
The Daily Mirror reported that two people were asked to leave Mr Roberts 's home in North Wales on Bank Holiday Monday following a visit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of a possible breach of COVID-19 regulations we visited an address at Ty ' n y Coed , Mold , yesterday , '' superintendent Mark Pierce of North Wales Police told the newspaper .
`` When we called at the property two people visiting the house left following advice and no further action was taken . ''
According to the Daily Mirror , there were balloons and banners outside the house on Monday marking a 40th birthday , said to be the age of Mr Roberts 's wife .
In a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homophobia , Biphobia and Transphobia earlier this month , Mr Roberts revealed he was now `` no longer afraid to be who I am '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He posted : `` I may have alluded to it before , but never said it .
I 'm no longer afraid to be who I am .
`` On this day , it feels particularly poignant and a good time to say it . ''
Mr Roberts won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election .
In a Facebook post on Monday , the MP backed the prime minister 's embattled adviser Dominic Cummings , who is facing calls to resign over allegations he breached lockdown rules .
Following Mr Cummings 's news conference on Monday , Mr Roberts said : `` I believe that he seemed to be entirely acting in the best interests of his child as a responsible husband and father . ''
In a previous Facebook post earlier on Monday , Mr Roberts had said there were `` many questions '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be answered .
`` Of course it is right that we can not have one rule for one and another for the rest , '' he wrote .
`` I have asked for a proper investigation into the situation and whatever the outcome that should be the end of the matter .
`` If Mr Cummings has acted inappropriately according to an investigation , then he should go . ''

The family of a Conservative MP have been reminded of the coronavirus lockdown guidelines following reports police broke up an illegal birthday party at his house.
Delyn MP Rob Roberts confirmed his family were "reminded of the guidance set out by the government", which still currently forbids people to visit others in their homes.
He added he was "200 miles away" in London at the time.
The Daily Mirror reported that two people were asked to leave Mr Roberts's home in North Wales on Bank Holiday Monday following a visit by police.
"In response to two reports of a possible breach of COVID-19 regulations we visited an address at Ty'n y Coed, Mold, yesterday," superintendent Mark Pierce of North Wales Police told the newspaper.
"When we called at the property two people visiting the house left following advice and no further action was taken."
According to the Daily Mirror, there were balloons and banners outside the house on Monday marking a 40th birthday, said to be the age of Mr Roberts's wife.
In a series of tweets marking the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia earlier this month, Mr Roberts revealed he was now "no longer afraid to be who I am".
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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He posted: "I may have alluded to it before, but never said it. I'm no longer afraid to be who I am.
"On this day, it feels particularly poignant and a good time to say it."
Mr Roberts won the Delyn seat from Labour at December's general election.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the MP backed the prime minister's embattled adviser Dominic Cummings, who is facing calls to resign over allegations he breached lockdown rules.
Following Mr Cummings's news conference on Monday, Mr Roberts said: "I believe that he seemed to be entirely acting in the best interests of his child as a responsible husband and father."
In a previous Facebook post earlier on Monday, Mr Roberts had said there were "many questions" about Mr Cummings's actions that needed to be answered.
"Of course it is right that we cannot have one rule for one and another for the rest," he wrote.
"I have asked for a proper investigation into the situation and whatever the outcome that should be the end of the matter.
"If Mr Cummings has acted inappropriately according to an investigation, then he should go."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-26--His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders worry about a Cummings rebound

His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders are worried about a Cummings rebound His fate could still go either way - but Tory insiders are worried about a Cummings rebound The Tory and government machine appear worried about the power Mr Cummings may have if he rebounds Forget , briefly , about Dominic Cummings , the fate of whom could still go either way .
The last few days have thrown light on some rather inglorious nooks and crannies of British politics which ought to be recorded before this unedifying affair disappears from view , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing is about differing attitudes to what constitutes truth .
This is a particularly live question after the prime minister went on the attack against The Guardian in Monday 's press conference for getting things wrong .
Yet getting things right is not always straightforward .
Boris Johnson 's spokesman told journalists repeatedly during April that Mr Cummings was `` at home '' .
Mr Cummings has now confirmed that he was not , but was convalescing on a property on his parents ' estate .
So why in April did the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home when he was not ?
On Tuesday , political journalists were told that when the spokesman was saying Mr Cummings was at home , in fact the spokesman did n't know where he was .
`` It was very obvious at the time that what I was setting out was that he was n't at work '' , the prime minister 's spokesman said .
But if you do n't know something , why guess the answer ?
Then there 's the question of the role of Number 10 in the shifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened a written statement with the line : `` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus… '' At Monday 's press conference Mr Cummings corrected this - saying that she did not have symptoms at the moment his family embarked on the 260-mile journey to Durham .
The difference would appear critical .
But asked on Tuesday , Number 10 did not attempt to explain the conflicts between the two statements , beyond referring journalists to what Mr Cummings said in the press conference .
Saturday night 's Number 10 response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journeys suggest they feel under siege , and in this mode think there is no need to fuel hostility towards them by answering every accusation levelled by what they see as partisan actors .
Every government has had to make similar judgements , and not answer every question completely .
But journeying so far in the other direction , they have lost the Daily Mail , the chief executive of the Conservative Home website , 52 % of Brexit voters and more than 30 of their own MPs .
Around 10 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands the PM yank Mr Cummings out of office .
But what of the others , facing inboxes of up to 800 emails , in which only 10 are supportive of Mr Cummings ?
Either through a genuine desire to support Mr Cummings , or a desire not to cause trouble , they have found ever more Delphic ways of avoiding saying what they think .
We have first-hand evidence since , unusually , public anger is such that they are leaking their correspondence in large numbers .
Take fence-sitter Tom Tugendhat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote to one constituent of his `` frustration '' at the affair and that people who write the rules should stick to them .
He said this raises `` integrity '' questions but declines to answer the question asked .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Or new Kensington MP Felicity Buchan , who acknowledges the sacrifices of constituents during lockdown .
She says : `` I have fed your views on the subject to government '' , but adds : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not become all consuming '' .
So what does she actually think ?
Ex-cabinet minister Chris Grayling is similar , communicating `` the concern of my constituents and my own views were very clearly communicated to Downing Street '' - without saying what they are .
Then the fascinating response of Jeremy Hunt , who is in a powerful position .
The health select committee chairman thinks Mr Cummings is in `` clear breach '' of lockdown rules when the guidelines were `` crystal clear '' .
But he adds - `` as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of media storms '' - he does not believe it right to call for Mr Cummings 's resignation .
What to make of that ?
Even in his weakened state , the Tory and government machine at all levels appears worried about Mr Cummings and the power he will have if he rebounds .
Maybe this is the reason he wo n't leave his job .
Equally , this is why he may be forced to .