The Prime Minister is under renewed pressure to sack his closest aide after eyewitness reports called into question both Dominic Cummings’ and Downing Street’s account of his lockdown whereabouts.
Boris Johnson had offered his “full support” to his under-fire chief adviser after it emerged Mr Cummings had travelled 260 miles to Country Durham despite strict restrictions at the time not to journey long distances.
Mr Cummings, in a statement issued through Number 10, said he travelled to be close to family to seek help looking after his four-year-old child after his wife became ill with coronavirus symptoms.
But fresh claims, according to reports in the Sunday Mirror and the Observer, suggest the 48-year-old made a second trip to Durham, having been spotted in the region on April 19 – five days after returning to work in Westminster and while strict rules were still in place not to travel.
Here we ask 11 questions that still to be answered by Cummings and the Government.
THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
1. In the light of the public outcry, does Dominic Cummings still believe it was OK to travel more than 250 miles in a car with his wife Mary, who had Covid-19?
2. Where did the PM or any ministers believe Mr Cummings was when he informed them he was self-isolating?
3. How many ministers, including the Prime Minister, knew that Mr Cummings was travelling to County Durham – or that he was self-isolating there?
4. Did Mr Cummings ask for advice from No10 before he travelled?
5. Does Mr Cummings still insist the police never spoke to him or his family – even though Durham Constabulary stands by its statement?
(Image: REUTERS)
6. How long was he in Durham and did he self-isolate for the full 14 days?
7. During lockdown, how many times did Mr Cummings travel to and from London and Durham?
8. On April 10 Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jenny Harries said being too ill to look after a small child was an “exceptional circumstance” and she pointed to accessing family support.
But Mr Cummings’ trip was almost two weeks before this advice was issued. What is his defence of this?
9. Why didn’t Mr Cummings’ sister come to London to pick up his child for childcare?
Mr Cummings’ brother-in-law lives in London – why did Mr Cummings not ask his for help with childcare?
10. In the course of his journeys between Durham and London did he or his wife come into contact with other members of the public?
THE TIME LINE AND KEY DATES
March 18
At his Downing Street briefing, PM says: “Everyone – everyone – must follow the advice.”
“Whole household to stay home for 14 days if any has symptoms and children “should not be left with older relatives.”
March 23
Strict lockdown rules imposed. Essential travel only. Boris Johnson says on TV going to family homes allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as to leave food or medicine at their door.
March 27
Cummings is seen running along Downing Street shortly after Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed to have coronavirus.
Weekend of March 28/29
Cummings said to have developed coronavirus symptoms.
March 30
Downing Street confirms Cummings is self-isolating.
March 30 – April 6
The period family had virus, says Cummings’ wife Mary Wakefield – who makes no mention of the trip but tells of challenges of caring for their son.
March 31
Cummings’ family spoken to by police after he and his family travelled up to Durham.
Police said officers “made contact with the owners… who confirmed the individual in question was present”.
Downing Street has denied police were involved, adding Cummings “went to a house near to but separate from his extended family”.
April 3
Matt Hancock tells Downing Street briefing staying at home is “not a request, it is an instruction.”
April 5
Cummings seen at parents’ home. Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer quits for breaking lockdown.
Boris Johnson taken to hospital.
April 10
Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries says being too ill to look after a small child is an “exceptional circumstance”.
April 12
Cummings is spotted in Barnard Castle.
April 14
Questions raised about his social distancing after Cummings pictured with Downing Street aide.
April 16
New guidance allows driving to countryside for walks.
April 19
Cummings seen in woods near family’s Durham home.
May 5
Prof Neil Ferguson quits as scientific adviser over lover’s visits.
May 22
News breaks in Mirror and Guardian of Cummings’ trips.
May 23
Visiting friends or family in their own homes remains off-limits.
