skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--PM picks ex-Cameron adviser as new business chief

A former adviser to David Cameron and proponent of EU reform is to become Boris Johnson 's key business liaison figure as Britain 's economy wrestles with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Alex Hickman , who has been a Downing Street adviser since March , will become head of the prime minister 's business team in July .
Mr Hickman 's at No 10 appointment follows a career in which he has consistently opposed closer integration between the UK and European Union .
His arrival as special adviser to the PM on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical time for Mr Johnson 's administration .
Downing Street has been working on an overhaul of its engagement with the private sector since December 's general election , with the PM deciding to abandon the network of business councils briefly adopted by his predecessor , Theresa May .
That rethink has been given added impetus by the COVID-19 pandemic , with business chiefs keen for Mr Johnson to establish a formal framework for future engagement with the government .
At the same time , business groups which have had an uneasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his under-fire special adviser , have been at pains to comment positively on the scale of the government 's response to the current economic crisis .
In particular , people close to the CBI , the UK 's biggest employers ' group , say relations have improved considerably since the crisis began .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has overseen the introduction of an unprecedented array of support schemes to try to smooth the flow of credit to struggling businesses , and pay the salaries of millions of workers .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With Britain on the brink of what some economists believe could be a deep recession , however , attention has turned to Mr Johnson 's plans to aid the private sector recovery .
It is unclear whether the new business chief at No 10 will consider establishing a new business council .
Mr Hickman 's appointment as the PM 's business liaison chief was confirmed by a Downing Street spokeswoman on Wednesday .
It brings into Mr Johnson 's team another of the senior figures who campaigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hickman effectively replaces Andrew Griffith , who was installed last summer as the PM 's chief business adviser but stepped down after winning a safe Tory seat at December 's election .
Since then , Katie Lam , another official , has been overseeing the business liaison brief on an interim basis .
He was chief executive of Business for Sterling , the organisation which lobbied against Britain joining the Euro , before co-founding the thinktank Open Europe .
A stint as Mr Cameron 's foreign policy adviser focusing on UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hickman then set up Chartwell Partners , a speaker bureau , before leaving in 2016 to spearhead a number of Brexit-related initiatives , including Prosperity UK .
He stepped down as a non-executive director of Northbank Talent Management shortly before he joined No 10 '' s team of SPADs , according to his LinkedIn profile .
Mr Hickman could not be reached for comment on Wednesday .

A former adviser to David Cameron and proponent of EU reform is to become Boris Johnson's key business liaison figure as Britain's economy wrestles with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Alex Hickman, who has been a Downing Street adviser since March, will become head of the prime minister's business team in July.
Mr Hickman's at No 10 appointment follows a career in which he has consistently opposed closer integration between the UK and European Union.
His arrival as special adviser to the PM on business, appointments and honours comes at a critical time for Mr Johnson's administration.
Image: Alex Hickman (right) with former then-Tory leader Michael Howard in 2005
Downing Street has been working on an overhaul of its engagement with the private sector since December's general election, with the PM deciding to abandon the network of business councils briefly adopted by his predecessor, Theresa May.
That rethink has been given added impetus by the COVID-19 pandemic, with business chiefs keen for Mr Johnson to establish a formal framework for future engagement with the government.
At the same time, business groups which have had an uneasy relationship with Mr Johnson and Dominic Cummings, his under-fire special adviser, have been at pains to comment positively on the scale of the government's response to the current economic crisis.
In particular, people close to the CBI, the UK's biggest employers' group, say relations have improved considerably since the crisis began.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has overseen the introduction of an unprecedented array of support schemes to try to smooth the flow of credit to struggling businesses, and pay the salaries of millions of workers.
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With Britain on the brink of what some economists believe could be a deep recession, however, attention has turned to Mr Johnson's plans to aid the private sector recovery.
It is unclear whether the new business chief at No 10 will consider establishing a new business council.
Mr Hickman's appointment as the PM's business liaison chief was confirmed by a Downing Street spokeswoman on Wednesday.
It brings into Mr Johnson's team another of the senior figures who campaigned for Brexit ahead of the 2016 referendum.
Mr Hickman effectively replaces Andrew Griffith, who was installed last summer as the PM's chief business adviser but stepped down after winning a safe Tory seat at December's election.
Since then, Katie Lam, another official, has been overseeing the business liaison brief on an interim basis.
He was chief executive of Business for Sterling, the organisation which lobbied against Britain joining the Euro, before co-founding the thinktank Open Europe.
A stint as Mr Cameron's foreign policy adviser focusing on UK policy towards the EU and India followed.
Mr Hickman then set up Chartwell Partners, a speaker bureau, before leaving in 2016 to spearhead a number of Brexit-related initiatives, including Prosperity UK.
He stepped down as a non-executive director of Northbank Talent Management shortly before he joined No 10''s team of SPADs, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Mr Hickman could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--More Tory MPs call for Cummings to go - as minister warns health messages 'undermined'

Boris Johnson has failed to quell anger from Conservative MPs - including from government ministers - over his chief adviser Dominic Cummings 's actions during lockdown .
The prime minister appeared before a committee of senior MPs on Wednesday to insist it was time to `` move on '' from the row over alleged lockdown breaches by his senior aide .
However , despite Mr Johnson reiterating his support for Mr Cummings , the stream of Tory MPs calling for the adviser 's resignation continued .
At the same time as the prime minister was being grilled by the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's lockdown trip to Durham , Tory backbenchers Pauline Latham and Giles Watling joined those calling for the Number 10 aide to quit his role .
Fellow backbencher George Freeman also later called for Mr Cummings to resign , with more than 40 Conservative MPs now wanting the prime minister 's chief adviser to go .
It also emerged on Wednesday that Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt , who is Paymaster General , told her constituents in an email that it was clear the row over Mr Cummings had `` undermined key public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some inconsistencies in his account of events and the reasons behind it , '' Ms Mordaunt wrote , adding that she was `` personally still not clear of the facts '' despite Mr Cummings 's news conference on Monday .
Meanwhile , former chancellor Sajid Javid said in a letter to his constituents that Mr Cummings 's 260-mile trip from London to Durham was not `` necessary or justified '' .
`` I do not believe Mr Cummings ' journey to County Durham to isolate on his family 's estate was necessary or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as reported by his local Bromsgrove Standard newspaper .
`` I remain unconvinced his visit to Barnard Castle could be considered reasonable .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I was also deeply concerned by his decision to return to Downing Street directly after coming into contact with a family member who was ill , potentially with coronavirus . ''
Mr Javid quit as chancellor in February this year following widespread reports of tension between his Treasury team and Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson has failed to quell anger from Conservative MPs - including from government ministers - over his chief adviser Dominic Cummings's actions during lockdown.
The prime minister appeared before a committee of senior MPs on Wednesday to insist it was time to "move on" from the row over alleged lockdown breaches by his senior aide.
However, despite Mr Johnson reiterating his support for Mr Cummings, the stream of Tory MPs calling for the adviser's resignation continued.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 PM suggests inquiry into Cummings 'not a good use of time'
At the same time as the prime minister was being grilled by the House of Commons liaison committee over Mr Cummings's lockdown trip to Durham, Tory backbenchers Pauline Latham and Giles Watling joined those calling for the Number 10 aide to quit his role.
Fellow backbencher George Freeman also later called for Mr Cummings to resign, with more than 40 Conservative MPs now wanting the prime minister's chief adviser to go.
It also emerged on Wednesday that Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt, who is Paymaster General, told her constituents in an email that it was clear the row over Mr Cummings had "undermined key public health messages".
Image: Penny Mordaunt said the row over Dominic Cummings had 'undermined key public health messages'
"There are some inconsistencies in his account of events and the reasons behind it," Ms Mordaunt wrote, adding that she was "personally still not clear of the facts" despite Mr Cummings's news conference on Monday.
Meanwhile, former chancellor Sajid Javid said in a letter to his constituents that Mr Cummings's 260-mile trip from London to Durham was not "necessary or justified".
"I do not believe Mr Cummings' journey to County Durham to isolate on his family's estate was necessary or justified," Mr Javid said, as reported by his local Bromsgrove Standard newspaper.
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"I remain unconvinced his visit to Barnard Castle could be considered reasonable.
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"I was also deeply concerned by his decision to return to Downing Street directly after coming into contact with a family member who was ill, potentially with coronavirus."
Mr Javid quit as chancellor in February this year following widespread reports of tension between his Treasury team and Mr Cummings.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--PM given explanation of how some migrants can't access government cash

Boris Johnson has promised to `` see what we can do to help '' after appearing to be surprised that some migrants in the UK are not able to access government support during the coronavirus crisis .
The prime minister stressed that those `` who live and work here should have support of one kind or another '' during the COVID-19 lockdown , after being told the immigration status of some people means they are not eligible for assistance .
Appearing before the House of Commons liaison committee of senior MPs , Mr Johnson was challenged about the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have permission to remain in the UK but are not able to access state support .
Labour MP Stephen Timms , the chair of the Commons work and pensions committee , explained how the couple - from his East Ham constituency in London - `` ca n't get any help at all '' because they have no recourse to public funds as a condition attached to their right to stay in the UK .
He told the prime minister : `` They both work , they have two children .
The husband 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job retention scheme , so he has zero income .
`` His wife is still working but her income is less than their household rent .
`` They have leave to remain in the UK but no recourse to public funds , so they ca n't get any help at all .
`` Is n't it wrong that a hard-working , law-abiding family like that is being forced by the current arrangements into destitution ? ''
Mr Johnson appeared surprised that the couple could not access welfare payments , asking : `` Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Employment Support Allowance ? ''
In response , Mr Timms explained that , for a ten-year period , they have no recourse to public funds and so `` at the moment they can get no help at all '' .
The prime minister vowed to look into the issue .
`` Clearly people who have worked hard for this country , who live and work here , should have support of one kind or another , '' he said .
`` You 've raised a very , very important point - if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain means they should have no recourse to public funds .
`` I will find out how many are in that position and we will see what we can do to help . ''
Last month , the Children 's Society warned there were thousands of children in the UK facing extreme poverty and hunger because immigration rules prevent their families from accessing support .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow home secretary , Nick Thomas-Symonds , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister `` apparently had no idea what 'no recourse to public funds ' was and meant for people '' .
`` We 've called for its suspension in this public health emergency and , with the prime minister promising to look at it , let 's hope that he can persuade the home secretary to think again , '' he added .
SNP MP Stuart McDonald , the party 's immigration spokesperson , said it was `` absolutely jaw-dropping '' that the prime minister `` appears totally unaware '' of the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the government 's policy on no recourse to public funds , a Home Office `` fact sheet '' published at the beginning of this month states : `` Those seeking to establish their family life in the UK must do so on a basis that prevents burdens on the state and the UK taxpayer .
`` It is right that those who benefit from the state contribute towards it . ''
The Home Office said protections for renters and mortgage holidays - introduced during the coronavirus crisis - are `` available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
It added local councils `` may provide basic safety net support regardless of immigration status '' in some cases .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson has promised to "see what we can do to help" after appearing to be surprised that some migrants in the UK are not able to access government support during the coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister stressed that those "who live and work here should have support of one kind or another" during the COVID-19 lockdown, after being told the immigration status of some people means they are not eligible for assistance.
Appearing before the House of Commons liaison committee of senior MPs, Mr Johnson was challenged about the case of one couple, from Pakistan, who have permission to remain in the UK but are not able to access state support.
Image: An example of a UK visa stating someone has 'no recourse to public funds'
Labour MP Stephen Timms, the chair of the Commons work and pensions committee, explained how the couple - from his East Ham constituency in London - "can't get any help at all" because they have no recourse to public funds as a condition attached to their right to stay in the UK.
He told the prime minister: "They both work, they have two children. The husband's employer did not put him on the job retention scheme, so he has zero income.
"His wife is still working but her income is less than their household rent.
"They have leave to remain in the UK but no recourse to public funds, so they can't get any help at all.
"Isn't it wrong that a hard-working, law-abiding family like that is being forced by the current arrangements into destitution?"
Mr Johnson appeared surprised that the couple could not access welfare payments, asking: "Why aren't they eligible for Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance?"
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In response, Mr Timms explained that, for a ten-year period, they have no recourse to public funds and so "at the moment they can get no help at all".
The prime minister vowed to look into the issue.
"Clearly people who have worked hard for this country, who live and work here, should have support of one kind or another," he said.
"You've raised a very, very important point - if people's condition of their leave to remain means they should have no recourse to public funds.
"I will find out how many are in that position and we will see what we can do to help."
Last month, the Children's Society warned there were thousands of children in the UK facing extreme poverty and hunger because immigration rules prevent their families from accessing support.
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Labour's shadow home secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said it was "extraordinarily worrying" that the prime minister "apparently had no idea what 'no recourse to public funds' was and meant for people".
"We've called for its suspension in this public health emergency and, with the prime minister promising to look at it, let's hope that he can persuade the home secretary to think again," he added.
SNP MP Stuart McDonald, the party's immigration spokesperson, said it was "absolutely jaw-dropping" that the prime minister "appears totally unaware" of the issue.
In response to recent media reports about the government's policy on no recourse to public funds, a Home Office "fact sheet" published at the beginning of this month states: "Those seeking to establish their family life in the UK must do so on a basis that prevents burdens on the state and the UK taxpayer.
"It is right that those who benefit from the state contribute towards it."
The Home Office said protections for renters and mortgage holidays - introduced during the coronavirus crisis - are "available to migrants with no recourse to public funds".
It added local councils "may provide basic safety net support regardless of immigration status" in some cases.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--Cummings inquiry wouldn't be 'good use of official time' - PM

Boris Johnson is continuing to back his senior adviser Dominic Cummings , saying an investigation into whether he broke lockdown rules would not be a `` good use '' of time .
The prime minister also said the UK was `` coming down from level four to level three '' on the government 's coronavirus alert system and he hopes to make a further announcement this week .
He is being grilled by a senior group of politicians known as the liaison committee - the first time he has faced them since he became leader - amid a growing Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Cummings row .
Asked why he had not ordered an investigation into Mr Cummings 's actions , Mr Johnson replied : `` I 'm not certain , right now , that an inquiry into that matter is a very good use of official time .
`` We 're working flat out on coronavirus . ''
Mr Johnson was also asked by committee chairman Sir Bernard Jenkin whether the government 's `` moral authority '' had been undermined by the row .
He replied : `` This has really been going on for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least .
`` I , of course , am deeply sorry for all the hurt and pain and anxiety that people have been going through throughout this period - this country has been going through a frankly most difficult time .
`` We are asking people to do quite exceptionally tough things , separating them from their families . ''
The prime minister insisted he would not be adding to his previous comments on Mr Cummings and said the public wanted politicians to focus on `` uniting our message '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has stood by his top adviser after he was widely criticised for travelling hundreds of miles from London to Durham during the lockdown .
Mr Cummings has said it was necessary in order to seek childcare help and insists he did not break the rules .
One government minister has already quit in protest and the housing secretary admitted `` many people across the country '' are also aggrieved .
Mr Johnson told the parliamentary committee on Wednesday that it was time for Britain to move on from the controversy .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very frustrating episode and I understand why people have been so concerned , because this country is going through a horrendously difficult time .
`` I totally understand public indignation , I totally understand that , but I do think that ... it would be much better if we could now move on and focus on the next steps . ''
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News earlier that `` many people across the country , including many of my colleagues in parliament , believe he made the wrong decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` acted reasonably '' and `` did obey the guidelines '' .
He has said he does not regret decamping 260 miles away from his London property , adding that the reason he was spotted in Barnard Castle , a 30-minute drive from Durham , was because he was testing his eyesight for driving .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He has not apologised for his actions and said he had no intention of quitting .
Mr Johnson also used his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that NHS England 's test and trace system would be up and running from Thursday .
He said people who had been in contact with someone with coronavirus would be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days .
: : Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson is continuing to back his senior adviser Dominic Cummings, saying an investigation into whether he broke lockdown rules would not be a "good use" of time.
The prime minister also said the UK was "coming down from level four to level three" on the government's coronavirus alert system and he hopes to make a further announcement this week.
He is being grilled by a senior group of politicians known as the liaison committee - the first time he has faced them since he became leader - amid a growing Tory revolt and plummeting poll ratings over the Dominic Cummings row.
Image: Dominic Cummings insists the journey was necessary to make sure his son could be cared for
Asked why he had not ordered an investigation into Mr Cummings's actions, Mr Johnson replied: "I'm not certain, right now, that an inquiry into that matter is a very good use of official time.
"We're working flat out on coronavirus."
Mr Johnson was also asked by committee chairman Sir Bernard Jenkin whether the government's "moral authority" had been undermined by the row.
He replied: "This has really been going on for several days now - in the media at least.
"I, of course, am deeply sorry for all the hurt and pain and anxiety that people have been going through throughout this period - this country has been going through a frankly most difficult time.
"We are asking people to do quite exceptionally tough things, separating them from their families."
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The prime minister insisted he would not be adding to his previous comments on Mr Cummings and said the public wanted politicians to focus on "uniting our message" and "focusing on their needs".
Mr Johnson has stood by his top adviser after he was widely criticised for travelling hundreds of miles from London to Durham during the lockdown.
Mr Cummings has said it was necessary in order to seek childcare help and insists he did not break the rules.
One government minister has already quit in protest and the housing secretary admitted "many people across the country" are also aggrieved.
Mr Johnson told the parliamentary committee on Wednesday that it was time for Britain to move on from the controversy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:35 'Dominic Cummings obeyed the guidelines' -Jenrick
He said: "It's been a very, very frustrating episode and I understand why people have been so concerned, because this country is going through a horrendously difficult time.
"I totally understand public indignation, I totally understand that, but I do think that... it would be much better if we could now move on and focus on the next steps."
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News earlier that "many people across the country, including many of my colleagues in parliament, believe he made the wrong decisions".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 PM sorry for 'pain, anguish and heartbreak'
But he insisted Mr Cummings "acted reasonably" and "did obey the guidelines".
He has said he does not regret decamping 260 miles away from his London property, adding that the reason he was spotted in Barnard Castle, a 30-minute drive from Durham, was because he was testing his eyesight for driving.
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He has not apologised for his actions and said he had no intention of quitting.
Mr Johnson also used his appearance in front of MPs to announce that NHS England's test and trace system would be up and running from Thursday.
He said people who had been in contact with someone with coronavirus would be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
:: Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--Dozens of Tory MPs are now calling for Cummings to go - here are their reasons

Boris Johnson has stood by Dominic Cummings - despite mounting calls for the prime minister to sack his top aide for making several trips during lockdown .
But while Boris Johnson has insisted his adviser did nothing wrong and even granted him his own news conference to try to clear up any confusion , the Conservatives leader is struggling to contain growing fury from within his own party .
Backbench MPs have begun openly calling for Mr Cummings to resign or be fired , and discontent has spread to ministers - with one resigning from the government in protest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister 's personal special adviser to go ?
A powerful enemy to have on the backbenches , Steve Baker sits on the executive of the 1922 Committee - the body representing all Tory MPs .
He told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` We are now in a nonsense position , a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you can do , at least if you work in Number 10 .
`` It 's ridiculous , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If he does n't resign , he will just be burning through Boris 's political capital at a rate that we can ill-afford in the midst of this crisis . ''
He has not made a public statement since Mr Cummings ' speech from the Downing Street rose garden .
The Tory MP for Wellingborough told Sky News on Sunday : `` I 'm certain he has to go . ''
`` We ca n't really have a rule that applies to everyone except the government elite .
`` He could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a bad mistake and I 'm sorry about it and I should n't have done it .
And I think he probably would have carried on .
`` But to try and pretend he did n't break the rules just does n't stand up to scrutiny . ''
He told Sky News on Tuesday Mr Cummings ' statements the previous day `` confirmed everything I thought '' .
Speaking after Boris Johnson 's full-throated defence of his senior adviser , Simon Hoare told the Daily Mail : `` The PM 's performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Any residual hope that this might die away in the next 24 hours is lost . ''
Damian Collins , who found Mr Cummings in contempt of parliament for refusing to appear before the select committee he used to chair , said : `` Dominic Cummings has a track record of believing that the rules do n't apply to him and treating the scrutiny that should come to anyone in a position of authority with contempt .
`` The government would be better without him . ''
Mr Collins confirmed on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The East Worthing and Shoreham MP said many people `` made the choice not to 'reinterpret ' the lockdown rules '' and it is `` even more important that they are followed even more relentlessly by those responsible for making and enforcing them '' .
He explained : `` It is with regret therefore that I have come to the conclusion that the position of Dominic Cummings is untenable as the chief adviser to the Government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But his continuing in the role any longer can only undermine the authority of the Prime Minister and the Government at a time when both need to be completely focussed on getting the nation through the next stage of the Coronavirus crisis .
`` I am also worried that a number of scientists providing expert advice to the Government have also expressed the concern that their work is at threat of being undermined . ''
Mr Loughton confirmed to Sky News on Tuesday he still wants Mr Cummings gone .
The MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I fully acknowledge that the perceived hypocrisy of the rule makers potentially threatens the success of any future measures we may need to introduce if there is a second wave of coronavirus here in the UK .
`` We must have confidence that we are doing the right things for the right reasons and that we are all truly in it together .
For that reason I believe Mr Cummings ' position is now untenable . ''
Mr McCartney told Sky News on Tuesday he holds the same view .
The Veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served in parliament since 1983 , said after the prime minister 's news conference : `` I 'm very disappointed .
`` I think it was an opportunity to put this to bed and I fear that now the story is simply going to run and run . ''
He restated his position after Mr Cummings ' news conference , tweeting on Tuesday : `` The time I think , has come for Mr Cummings to resign or for the PM to dispense of his services . ''
Mr Cummings ' position was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Calder Valley MP , who added : `` You can not advise the nation one thing then do the opposite . ''
He tweeted on Tuesday : `` My view has not changed . ''
`` It is becoming increasingly clear that Dominic Cummings ' position is no longer tenable , '' the York Outer MP tweeted on Monday .
`` The government need to urgently refocus on our national priorities , namely our efforts to manage the COVID-19 outbreak . ''
Mr Sturdy told Sky News on Tuesday his position is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caroline Nokes said : `` I made my views clear to my whip yesterday .
There can not be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others .
`` My inbox is rammed with very angry constituents and I do not blame them .
They have made difficult sacrifices over the course of the last nine weeks . ''
Ms Nokes stood by her comments on Tuesday .
The Poole MP tweeted : `` The government has to explain test , track and trace and the next phase of lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merits of a government adviser , they should never be the story or it detracts from the central message which is to get us out of this crisis .
The adviser should go . ''
He added on Tuesday to another colleague calling on Mr Cummings to resign they were `` spot on '' .
Former minister Paul Maynard said : `` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable . ''
Mr Maynard said his position had not changed on Tuesday .
The Cleethorpes MP said Mr Cummings ' `` actions do undermine the message , which was very clear that people should stay at home '' .
`` I 'm afraid Mr Cummings has let the government and Mr Johnson down in that respect . ''
he told Sky News .
`` He should have done the decent thing and stood down . ''
Mr Vickers confirmed to Sky News on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waveney MP since 2010 said his view had originally been sympathetic to Mr Cummings , but he has since revised his opinion .
He tweeted : `` The government should recognise what families have gone through and what people are thinking and saying .
It is thus important that Dominic Cummings should now stand down . ''
Mr Aldous told Sky News on Tuesday his thinking is still the same .
Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton said on Monday Mr Cummings was `` damaging the Government and the country that he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his own father had died alone as a result of the coronavirus lockdown , adding : `` People have made sacrifices , this is a difficult time , this is a time of national crisis . ''
Mr Warbuton said his views are `` definitely unchanged if not firmer '' when contacted by Sky News on Tuesday .
The MP for Beckenham said on Monday of Mr Cummings : `` He certainly destroyed the spirit of the ruled by what he did .
`` It will make it very difficult for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept the largely voluntary restraints we have lived under for nine weeks .
`` I apologise for that because those rules remain in place and we should all still abide by them .
I am afraid I believe his position is thus untenable . ''
Mr Stewart has been asked if he stands by his comments and has not retracted them in public posts made since .
Carlisle MP John Stevenson said his constituents `` and the country have sacrificed a lot over the last few weeks '' .
`` People in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cummings holds such a position , '' he wrote .
`` Therefore in my view in the interests of the country Mr Cummings should resign . ''
Mr Stevenson confirmed to Sky News on Tuesday he still wants Mr Cummings go leave his post .
William Wragg , who chairs a Commons select committee and sits on the executive of the 1922 group of all Tory MPs , said on Tuesday : `` We can not throw away valuable public and political good will any longer .
`` It 's humiliating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put out agreed lines in defence of an adviser .
This is a time of national emergency and our focus must be unrelenting .
We owe it to the nation . ''
A junior Scotland Office minister resigned over the debacle , saying on Tuesday that : `` While the intentions may have been well-meaning , the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings ' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked .
`` I have constituents who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones ; families who could not mourn together ; people who did n't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government .
`` I can not in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right . ''
The Rugby and Bulkington MP wrote in a lengthy statement published on Tuesday : `` I believe that it is wrong that Mr Cummings remains in an important post in government .
`` I had hoped he that would tender his resignation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has failed to do so , I now believe it is right for the prime minister to ask for his resignation .
`` It is vital that public confidence must not be undermined by this episode . ''
The Shipley MP said on Tuesday : `` It is admirable of the prime minister to be loyal to his staff and seek to defend and support those who work for him .
`` Dominic Cummings should now repay that loyalty to the prime minister by resigning his position for the good of the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
A former chief whip , the Forest of Dean MP said there was `` no credible justification '' for the Barnard Castle trip .
`` Mr Cummings should have offered to resign and the PM should have accepted his resignation , '' he tweeted on Tuesday .
In a message sent to his constituents , the Wyre Forest MP said : `` It is clear to me that despite his story , despite an element of politics in this , and despite his value to the government , his remaining in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at multiple levels .
`` For him to stay would be to reject the valiant efforts of millions of us all who have done what we can to squash this infection .
`` His resignation is now the only way forward . ''
In an email to constituents , the Wimbledon MP wrote : `` I share much of the confusion and anger that so many constituents have expressed .
`` I would have not made the decisions that he did .
I have not seen my elderly parents since the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the best thing for Wimbledon and whilst I think it would be served by Mr Cummings leaving his role , I accept that is the prime minister 's decision who he employs as a special adviser . ''
In a post on his website , the former cabinet minister said : `` What is most important at this point is that government can give clear messages about how to defeat the virus and that everyone feels motivated to do their best to help .
`` This is more important than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and therefore , fairly or unfairly , I have concluded that it would be better for Mr Cummings to leave his position at Downing Street . ''
The Carshalton and Wallington MP , who was only elected in December , said on Tuesday : `` As we start to relax some of the lockdown measures , we must continue to stay alert in order to prevent a second wave of this virus .
`` I fear this situation risks undermining those efforts , just when we are seeing a significant reduction in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed .
`` It is for these reasons , that I have written to the prime minister again today to express my view that Mr Cummings should resign . ''
The Bromley and Chislehurst MP , the chair of the House of Commons justice committee , said : `` Although an adviser , not a minister or elected representative , Mr Cummings is , by virtue of his job , prominently in the public eye .
We can not have a suggestion of one rule for some and a different one for others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real anger , hurt and disappointment that many people now feel .
`` We can not allow the economic , physical and emotional price that families and businesses have made to go to waste , and we can not allow the key public health messages to be clouded . ''
The Thurrock MP said : `` Frankly this has been a very embarrassing episode for the government .
`` To bring this sorry chapter to an end I am afraid Mr Cummings has to go . ''
The West Worcestershire MP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government relies on moral authority to receive the consent of the people to such draconian reductions in their freedoms .
`` Therefore , for the sake of future adherence to public health guidelines , I believe he should resign . ''
The Tewkesbury MP said : `` Like many others , I have found the rules to be personally heart-wrenching .
`` On 5 May , my father died of coronavirus and the pain and guilt of my being unable to visit him as he fought for his life will haunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I would n't wish this situation on anyone , but I know that many of my constituents have suffered in the same or similar ways .
`` And given that we are fighting against a world-wide pandemic , we really do need to be all in this together .
`` That means you , me , ministers and senior officials . ''
The North Wiltshire MP said : `` Over the next few difficult weeks and months we need the full confidence of the people if they are to agree to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguard both their lives and for their livelihoods .
`` And for that to happen they have to have full confidence in the Government which is asking them to do it .
`` It can only be rebuilt if he now departs the scene . ''
In an email to a constituent seen by the PA news agency , the Ruislip , Northwood and Pinner MP wrote : `` Whilst the facts of Mr Cummings 's situation are disputed and there are ongoing investigations , it is important in my view not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , I have conveyed the strength of feeling locally to relevant colleagues , and my own view , through the appropriate channels , that Mr Cummings should step down . ''
The Clacton MP said : `` This unfortunate episode now has the potential to negatively impact on the effectiveness of our collective response to COVID-19 , and , I believe , the only way to restore the credibility of the government 's guidance in the eyes of local residents is for Mr Cummings to stand down . ''
The Mid-Derbyshire MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the stress of the situation he was in , as a husband and a parent , I do not believe his actions were appropriate . ''
The Harrogate and Knaresborough MP told his local newspaper : `` It is difficult to see how someone so instrumental in drawing up the rules can then say that what we all understood them to be actually has a 'Yes , but ... ' in the small print when it comes to the choices he made . ''
The High Peak MP said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one rule for the public and another for politicians . ''
The South West Bedfordshire MP said : `` I believe that his behaviour has damaged the prime minister , the government and , most critically of all , the integrity of our vital public health messages .
`` I therefore think he should no longer have a role in government as his continued presence makes the vital work of the government in tackling COVID-19 more difficult . ''
The Mid Norfolk MP tweeted : `` After 48hrs & c1000 emails from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of Staff breaking the lockdown & not apologising , it 's clear that public anger at the betrayal of their trust & compliance now risks a collapse of respect for HMG public health advice .
DC has to go . ''
Sky News has also spoken to four more MPs - Robert Goodwill , Alec Shelbrooke , Simon Jupp and Andrew Percy - who confirmed on Tuesday they want the adviser gone .
Sir David Amess has called for Mr Cummings to be `` suspended from his office whilst a full and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Privately , several more MPs - including senior ones - are voicing the same opinion , including one who told Sky News `` this is our black Wednesday '' - in reference to the 1992 financial crisis that stained the Conservatives ' economic record .

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


skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--99 minutes of answers – but it was what the PM didn't say that was most interesting

Boris Johnson turned up to meet senior MPs today with one clever argument about Dominic Cummings .
If the furore over the prime minister 's top adviser was such a distraction , Mr Johnson suggested , why then keep returning to it and ask questions .
The facts in the media had been false , he asserted .
He had seen the evidence confirming Mr Cummings 's version of events but refused to share them or sanction an official inquiry .
It has been a `` frustrating episode '' , he said , but not one he wanted to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice is the choice of the British people to lay aside party political point-scoring and put national interest first , '' he told home affairs select committee chair Yvette Cooper .
No doubt to the quiet satisfaction of Downing Street , it was the other topics in the 99-minute session that provoke more curiosity , often because of what the prime minister did not say as much as what he did .
The test and trace scheme is n't fully up and running .
Mr Johnson is launching the system on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said it would be `` useful '' from its launch tomorrow `` but it will be getting steadily better '' .
Scientific advisers from SAGE told Sky News last week it needed to be fully functioning before any further easing took place , including schools reopening .
The government does n't yet know how it will enforce quarantine for those contacted by tracers .
Initially , people who have come into contact with coronavirus sufferers will be `` asked '' to stay at home .
Mr Johnson does not seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though the scheme is meant to be up and running tomorrow .
He told the committee : `` We will consider what sanctions - financial or whatever appropriate .
If people do n't , we will consider bringing in financial sanctions . ''
He said he does not know if this will be done by the police or anyone else .
There is no date by which coronavirus test results must be returned in 24 hours .
Mr Johnson said that he has asked Dido Harding , who is running the track and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time it takes to analyse and return test results .
However , he added : `` I 'm not going to give you a deadline because I 've been forbidden from announcing more targets . ''
Mr Johnson is prepared to admit some mistakes , but Public Health England seems to be the culprit .
He admitted that mass testing was abandoned in April because `` we did n't have enzymes , test volume or experienced trackers in Asian countries '' - Public Health England 's responsibilities .
`` The brutal reality is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of SARS or MERS and did n't have a test operation to go , '' he told Jeremy Hunt , who for many years was health secretary .
The PM is unaware that some migrants can not access public funds .
Some 100,000 children are in families with migrant parents whose visas stipulate they have no recourse to public money and are stuck .
Mr Johnson appeared not to know about this category of individual , and said he would write to the committee about it .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker There 's confusion over whether taxes will rise .
Mr Johnson said that he wants to keep taxes low while funding public services .
He has also previously said he does not want austerity .
He also said today : `` We will deliver of all of the manifesto commitments '' .
The 2019 manifesto says : `` We promise not to raise the rates of income tax , National Insurance or VAT . ''
It is unclear how the government will balance the books .
The PM does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he reads the summaries by SAGE , the scientific advisory group , rather than scientific advice .
This may or may not be sensible .
However , Mr Johnson admitted that he opposed some of the advice provided , such as the need to maintain two-metre distance at all times , when other countries and the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) say this could be smaller .
He could not explain to the committees their reasoning for different guidance in other countries .
: : Next week from Monday to Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson turned up to meet senior MPs today with one clever argument about Dominic Cummings.
If the furore over the prime minister's top adviser was such a distraction, Mr Johnson suggested, why then keep returning to it and ask questions.
The facts in the media had been false, he asserted.
Image: The PM said the Cummings controversy had been a 'frustrating episode'
He had seen the evidence confirming Mr Cummings's version of events but refused to share them or sanction an official inquiry.
It has been a "frustrating episode", he said, but not one he wanted to discuss if at all possible.
"My choice is the choice of the British people to lay aside party political point-scoring and put national interest first," he told home affairs select committee chair Yvette Cooper.
No doubt to the quiet satisfaction of Downing Street, it was the other topics in the 99-minute session that provoke more curiosity, often because of what the prime minister did not say as much as what he did.
The test and trace scheme isn't fully up and running.
Mr Johnson is launching the system on Thursday, but admitted it is not fully operational.
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He said it would be "useful" from its launch tomorrow "but it will be getting steadily better".
Scientific advisers from SAGE told Sky News last week it needed to be fully functioning before any further easing took place, including schools reopening.
The government doesn't yet know how it will enforce quarantine for those contacted by tracers.
Initially, people who have come into contact with coronavirus sufferers will be "asked" to stay at home.
Mr Johnson does not seem to know what will happen next, even though the scheme is meant to be up and running tomorrow.
He told the committee: "We will consider what sanctions - financial or whatever appropriate. If people don't, we will consider bringing in financial sanctions."
He said he does not know if this will be done by the police or anyone else.
There is no date by which coronavirus test results must be returned in 24 hours.
Mr Johnson said that he has asked Dido Harding, who is running the track and trace system, to speed up the time it takes to analyse and return test results.
However, he added: "I'm not going to give you a deadline because I've been forbidden from announcing more targets."
Mr Johnson is prepared to admit some mistakes, but Public Health England seems to be the culprit.
He admitted that mass testing was abandoned in April because "we didn't have enzymes, test volume or experienced trackers in Asian countries" - Public Health England's responsibilities.
"The brutal reality is that this country didn't learn lessons of SARS or MERS and didn't have a test operation to go," he told Jeremy Hunt, who for many years was health secretary.
The PM is unaware that some migrants cannot access public funds.
Some 100,000 children are in families with migrant parents whose visas stipulate they have no recourse to public money and are stuck.
Mr Johnson appeared not to know about this category of individual, and said he would write to the committee about it.
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There's confusion over whether taxes will rise.
Mr Johnson said that he wants to keep taxes low while funding public services. He has also previously said he does not want austerity.
He also said today: "We will deliver of all of the manifesto commitments".
The 2019 manifesto says: "We promise not to raise the rates of income tax, National Insurance or VAT."
It is unclear how the government will balance the books.
The PM does not read scientific papers.
He said he reads the summaries by SAGE, the scientific advisory group, rather than scientific advice. This may or may not be sensible.
However, Mr Johnson admitted that he opposed some of the advice provided, such as the need to maintain two-metre distance at all times, when other countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) say this could be smaller.
He could not explain to the committees their reasoning for different guidance in other countries.
:: Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--Coronavirus test and trace system to launch in England today

The government 's coronavirus test and trace system will be up and running on Thursday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said .
Anyone in England who has been in close contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19 will be asked to isolate for 14 days even if they have no symptoms .
Mr Johnson acknowledged that being told to self-isolate was a `` huge imposition '' but people should be aware of why the programme was needed .
And he warned that if the initial voluntary system was not respected , fines could be introduced for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt was cast on whether the test and trace system would actually be fully ready on time after an insider told Sky News that contact tracing at their level would not go live on Thursday .
`` Some have not even got their basic systems up and running , '' they said , adding that they wo n't start making phone calls until next week .
A second person doing tracing said they too had been told they would not be contacting people until Monday at the earliest and had not yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A third person told Sky News the systems that are supposedly ready constantly crash because of the volume of users .
Explaining the scheme , Mr Johnson told MPs on the liaison committee on Wednesday : `` We will be asking people to stay at home .
`` If they do n't follow that advice , what we will be saying is we will consider what sanctions may be necessary . ''
The prime minister suggested he would keep sanctions `` on the table '' for people who test positive for coronavirus but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said : `` This is something that we are relying on people 's public-spiritedness , on their willingness to co-operate and defeat the disease . ''
Baroness Dido Harding , who is leading the scheme , said she believed it would play a crucial role in ending restrictions on movement , saying the country would `` be exchanging national lockdown for individual isolation '' .
Asked whether people would comply with the measures , Baroness Harding said it `` requires all of us to do our civic duty '' to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive will be asked for details of people they have been in close contact with and places they have visited over the last seven days - either by a contact tracer or by a text or email .
Once they have given those details , either to the contact tracer or online via a website , those contacts will then be alerted by phone , text or email .
Depending on their level of risk , those contacts will be instructed to isolate for up to 14 days - anyone with symptoms should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait for a test result .
In order to prepare for the launch , the government has hired 25,000 contact tracers to get in touch with people who have the virus .
Officials said all of them would be ready to report for duty on Thursday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Yet the scheme will not include the contact tracing app currently being tested on the Isle of Wight , which means it will not be able to identify people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baroness Harding declined to say when the app would be ready , describing it as `` the cherry on the cake rather than the cake itself '' - despite first being hailed by the government as an integral part of the scheme .
Government testing chief Professor John Newton argued that `` most of your contacts are known to you '' .
As a result , although the government guidance describes a contact as anyone who has been `` within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes '' , in practice officials suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's a very specific approach , '' said Prof Newton , who said it was designed to `` prevent overreaction to the occurrence of a case and taking out whole businesses or care units . ''
Anyone who has travelled in the same car as someone else would be considered a contact , Prof Newton said , adding : `` If you 're a teacher , we would n't say that everyone at school is a contact . ''
Asked whether people would come forward for a test if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harding said that anyone who was told to self-isolate could claim statutory sick pay or apply for a grant through the income support scheme if they were self-employed .
Prof Newton said the government was `` looking at '' ways to help mitigate the effects of quarantine and that `` local authorities would play a big part in that '' .
The scheme is for England , with Northern Ireland already having a system in place .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said at the daily briefing that authorities were looking at implementing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week the government announced £300m funding for local authorities to support the test and trace service locally , in order to identify and contain local outbreaks in workplaces , care homes or schools .
From Thursday , all symptomatic individuals in England will be able to access a test if they need one .
All symptomatic individuals in Wales will be able to book tests from Saturday .
The symptoms currently listed by the government include a new , continuous cough , a high temperature or a change in sense of smell or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five can now get tests , Mr Hancock announced at the daily briefing .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The government's coronavirus test and trace programme has launched but there were reports of crashes amid suggestions it may not be fully ready.
NHS workers in the scheme reported being unable to log into the new website, with volunteers saying they received a message on the programme saying a "critical incident" has been reported with the system.
It comes as Baroness Dido Harding, who is leading the scheme, told MPs on a conference call the system will not be fully operational until the end of June.
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Following the call, Labour MP Ben Bradshaw tweeted he was "not sure where that leaves Johnson's promise of a fully operational 'world beating' system by Monday."
Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell said the government is saying some of the reported issues with the site are to do with the "contact tracers - some of the 25,000 contact tracers that they have been recruiting - are having difficulties logging into the system.
"They say this is the staff side of things, whereas the public side where you can go online and book a test if you are symptomatic is still running smoothly."
Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19 will be asked to isolate for 14 days even if they have no symptoms.
Boris Johnson has acknowledged that being told to self-isolate was a "huge imposition" but people should be aware of why the programme was needed.
And he warned that if the initial voluntary system was not respected, fines could be introduced for people who fail to comply.
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However, doubt was cast on whether the test and trace system would actually be fully ready on time after an insider told Sky News that contact tracing at their level would not go live on Thursday.
"Some have not even got their basic systems up and running," they said, adding that they won't start making phone calls until next week.
A second person doing tracing said they too had been told they would not be contacting people until Monday at the earliest and had not yet been given a login to the system.
A third person told Sky News the systems that are supposedly ready constantly crash because of the volume of users.
Explaining the scheme, the prime minister told MPs on the liaison committee on Wednesday: "We will be asking people to stay at home.
"If they don't follow that advice, what we will be saying is we will consider what sanctions may be necessary."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Hancock explains 'detective' work used for track and trace
Mr Johnson suggested he would keep sanctions "on the table" for people who test positive for coronavirus but refuse to disclose their contacts.
However, he said: "This is something that we are relying on people's public-spiritedness, on their willingness to co-operate and defeat the disease."
Baroness Harding said she believed it would play a crucial role in ending restrictions on movement, saying the country would "be exchanging national lockdown for individual isolation".
Asked whether people would comply with the measures, Baroness Harding said it "requires all of us to do our civic duty" to avoid spreading the virus.
Anyone who tests positive will be asked for details of people they have been in close contact with and places they have visited over the last seven days - either by a contact tracer or by a text or email.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 PM sorry for 'pain, anguish and heartbreak'
Once they have given those details, either to the contact tracer or online via a website, those contacts will then be alerted by phone, text or email.
Depending on their level of risk, those contacts will be instructed to isolate for up to 14 days - anyone with symptoms should also isolate for seven days while they wait for a test result.
In order to prepare for the launch, the government has hired 25,000 contact tracers to get in touch with people who have the virus. Officials said all of them would be ready to report for duty on Thursday.
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Yet the scheme will not include the contact tracing app currently being tested on the Isle of Wight, which means it will not be able to identify people unknown to someone who tests positive.
Baroness Harding declined to say when the app would be ready, describing it as "the cherry on the cake rather than the cake itself" - despite first being hailed by the government as an integral part of the scheme.
Government testing chief Professor John Newton argued that "most of your contacts are known to you".
As a result, although the government guidance describes a contact as anyone who has been "within two metres for more than 15 minutes", in practice officials suggested it would be limited to close contacts.
"It's a very specific approach," said Prof Newton, who said it was designed to "prevent overreaction to the occurrence of a case and taking out whole businesses or care units".
Anyone who has travelled in the same car as someone else would be considered a contact, Prof Newton said, adding: "If you're a teacher, we wouldn't say that everyone at school is a contact."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 UK has seen 64,000 excess deaths since March
Asked whether people would come forward for a test if they were worried about losing wages, Baroness Harding said that anyone who was told to self-isolate could claim statutory sick pay or apply for a grant through the income support scheme if they were self-employed.
Prof Newton said the government was "looking at" ways to help mitigate the effects of quarantine and that "local authorities would play a big part in that".
The scheme is for England, with Northern Ireland already having a system in place. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said at the daily briefing that authorities were looking at implementing their own test and trace schemes.
Last week the government announced £300m funding for local authorities to support the test and trace service locally, in order to identify and contain local outbreaks in workplaces, care homes or schools.
From Thursday, all symptomatic individuals in England will be able to access a test if they need one. All symptomatic individuals in Wales will be able to book tests from Saturday.
The symptoms currently listed by the government include a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a change in sense of smell or taste.
Children under the age of five can now get tests, Mr Hancock announced at the daily briefing.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-27--Lockdown breakers tell police: 'If it's okay for Cummings, it's okay for us'

People are breaking lockdown rules and using the actions of Boris Johnson 's special adviser - Dominic Cummings - as an excuse , a senior police commissioner has said .
David Jamieson , the West Midlands police and crime commissioner , said members of the public were telling officers `` if it is okay for Cummings , it is okay for us '' .
Mr Cummings has been accused of breaching coronavirus lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles with his wife and child from London to Durham , then making a 30-mile trip to Barnard Castle - which he claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit to drive .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And as the prime minister continued to back his adviser - who has insisted he acted within the rules and refused to apologise - Mr Jamieson said the scandal was making the jobs of police more difficult .
He said people were also telling officers `` it looks like there is one rule for us and another rule for the people in No 10 Downing Street '' .
Mr Jamieson said if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interpretation then it makes it `` almost impossible '' for police to do their job effectively .
He told BBC Radio 4 's The World At One : `` What the police are now saying to me is they are getting quite a push back , not just from some of the younger people who previously where saying why ca n't I play football , why ca n't I go out in the streets ?
They 're getting push backs from other generations of people as well .
`` Now that is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules , confidence in government and thereby the police 's ability to enforce it has been undermined very much in the last few days . ''
Sky News ' policing commentator Graham Wettone said the furore had `` clearly made things more difficult '' .
`` Police have increasingly been relying on the engage , explain and encourage aspects of their guidance around lockdown restrictions and have been using enforcement measures very much as a last resort , '' he said .
`` The effectiveness of that approach can depend on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public , so if people believe a government adviser is applying their own interpretation to the lockdown regulations , then that 's potentially going to create problems . ''
The backlash against Mr Cummings 's actions has intensified over recent days , with Tory MPs among critics demanding Mr Johnson sack him and polls showing the PM 's popularity falling .
Chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson said the PM should admit the damage done by the controversy .
`` I think it would be really helpful if the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a risk that public trust and confidence in those social distancing guidelines has been dented and if he was to set out really clearly what the government is going to do to restore that lost trust and confidence , '' he said .
Asked whether Mr Cummings should go , Mr Hopson responded : `` I 'm not going to answer that . ''
• None Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

People are breaking lockdown rules and using the actions of Boris Johnson's special adviser - Dominic Cummings - as an excuse, a senior police commissioner has said.
David Jamieson, the West Midlands police and crime commissioner, said members of the public were telling officers "if it is okay for Cummings, it is okay for us".
Mr Cummings has been accused of breaching coronavirus lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles with his wife and child from London to Durham, then making a 30-mile trip to Barnard Castle - which he claims he did to check if he was fit to drive.
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And as the prime minister continued to back his adviser - who has insisted he acted within the rules and refused to apologise - Mr Jamieson said the scandal was making the jobs of police more difficult.
He said people were also telling officers "it looks like there is one rule for us and another rule for the people in No 10 Downing Street".
Mr Jamieson said if the rules are flexible and open to interpretation then it makes it "almost impossible" for police to do their job effectively.
He told BBC Radio 4's The World At One: "What the police are now saying to me is they are getting quite a push back, not just from some of the younger people who previously where saying why can't I play football, why can't I go out in the streets? They're getting push backs from other generations of people as well.
"Now that is a bad sign, showing that confidence in the rules, confidence in government and thereby the police's ability to enforce it has been undermined very much in the last few days."
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Sky News' policing commentator Graham Wettone said the furore had "clearly made things more difficult".
"Police have increasingly been relying on the engage, explain and encourage aspects of their guidance around lockdown restrictions and have been using enforcement measures very much as a last resort," he said.
"The effectiveness of that approach can depend on a certain amount of goodwill between officers and the public, so if people believe a government adviser is applying their own interpretation to the lockdown regulations, then that's potentially going to create problems."
The backlash against Mr Cummings's actions has intensified over recent days, with Tory MPs among critics demanding Mr Johnson sack him and polls showing the PM's popularity falling.
Chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson said the PM should admit the damage done by the controversy.
"I think it would be really helpful if the prime minister was to acknowledge the fact that there is a risk that public trust and confidence in those social distancing guidelines has been dented and if he was to set out really clearly what the government is going to do to restore that lost trust and confidence," he said.
Asked whether Mr Cummings should go, Mr Hopson responded: "I'm not going to answer that."