Chit Chat
Exclusive: eyewitness says top No 10 aide left isolation to go 30 miles to popular tourist town
Matthew Weaver https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/23/new-witnesses-cast-doubt-on-dominic-cummingss-lockdown-claims?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Devastating new claims have emerged that Dominic Cummings further breached the lockdown rules, as Downing Street came under sustained pressure to fire the prime minister’s most senior adviser.
The new testimony suggests Cummings left the home where he was staying in Durham to visit a town 30 miles away. He was allegedly spotted back in Durham on 19 April, days after he was photographed in London having recovered from the virus.
At the time, with the country at the peak of the pandemic, the government was insisting that people should be staying at home.
As Cummings faced calls to resign from across the political spectrum, the government was forced to defend his actions.
Ministers insisted he had stayed put once arriving at a property in Durham, where he had travelled after contracting the symptoms of coronavirus to seek the support from his extended family.
But the new claims would appear to demolish this defence and intensify questions over his claim that going there was permitted because he needed childcare while he was sick.
The new accounts also raise fresh questions about his insistence that the initial 264-mile trip to Durham was justified.
The two new witnesses were revealed in a joint investigation by the Guardian/Observer and the Sunday Mirror.
One saw him in Durham on 19 April, days after Cummings was photographed in London having recovered from the virus.
A week earlier Cummings was seen by another witness in Barnard Castle on Easter Day, 30 miles away from Durham, the investigation found. The town, which takes its name from the English Heritage site at its centre, is a popular destination for days out.
Robin Lees, 70, a retired chemistry teacher from the town, says he saw Cummings and his family walking by the Tees before getting into a car around lunch time on 12 April.
Lees said: “I was a bit gobsmacked to see him, because I know what he looks like. And the rest of the family seemed to match - a wife and child. I was pretty convinced it was him and it didn’t seem right because I assumed he would be in London.”
He added: “I went home and told my wife, we thought he must be in London. I searched up the number plate later that day and my computer search history shows that.”
Asked if thought Cummings should resign, Lees, said: “Of course he should. [Catherine] Calderwood [Scotland’s former chief medical officer] resigned after being stupid by visiting her second home. [Government scientific adviser Prof Neil] Ferguson didn’t even go anywhere, it was his mistress, and he had to resign too.
“They didn’t do anything nearly as irresponsible as Cummings. You don’t take the virus from one part of the country to another. It just beggars belief to think you could actually drive when the advice was stay home, save lives. It couldn’t have been clearer.”
When Cummings was apparently recognised a second time on 19 April he was wearing his trademark beanie hat, and was heard commenting on how “lovely” the bluebells were during an early morning Sunday stroll with his wife Mary Wakefield.
The second eyewitness, who declined to be named, said: “We were shocked and surprised to see him because the last time we did was earlier in the week in Downing Street.”
Cummings had been photographed on the 14 April in Downing Street, the first time he had been seen back at work since recovering from the virus.
“We thought ‘he’s not supposed to be here during the lockdown’,” the source said.
“We thought: ‘What double standards, one rule for him as a senior adviser to the prime minister and another for the rest of us.’”
At Saturday’s daily Downing Street press conference, the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said Cummings’s actions, first revealed by the Guardian and Daily Mirror, were acceptable because he and his family had remained in isolation after arriving at the property in Durham, rather than travelling away from the property.
“The decision here was to go to that location and stay in that location,” he said. “They didn’t then move around from there.”
The deputy chief medical officer, Jenny Harries, said the aim of the advice on self-isolation was to remain “out of circulation”.
Shapps said that the prime minister gave Cummings his full support. He added that he did not know when Boris Johnson became aware of the circumstances of Cummings’s decision to go to Durham.
Asked whether Cummings’s claim that the police had not spoken to his family despite an official statement to the contrary meant that Durham constabulary were lying, he said that he was “not sure where the confusion in that comes in”.
Durham police are standing by their statement on Friday that the Cummings family was reminded of the lockdown rules on 31 March, after he was seen in the city.
No 10 insisted that the family were not spoken to, and Johnson’s chief adviser claimed he did nothing wrong.
It came as figures from the police, church, the health service and the government’s own science advisory group condemned Cummings’s actions and warned that it risked undermining public adherence to the lockdown. Downing Street has also been accused of a cover-up after initial reports that some in No 10 knew he had made the journey.
Last night, Labour demanded a Whitehall inquiry into the trip. In a letter to cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, shadow cabinet office minister Rachel Reeves writes: “The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for the Prime Minister’s most senior adviser.”
Meanwhile, the cabinet’s most senior ministers were accused of placing political loyalty over public health, after they launched an orchestrated battle to defend Cummings. Michael Gove, Dominic Raab, Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock, were among those to defend the spin doctor.
Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Cummings should be sacked, adding: “It’s rather insulting to the millions who’ve made sacrifices to keep to the government’s own rules for cabinet ministers now to be prioritising the career of Johnson’s spin doctor-in-chief above the public’s health and well-being.”
Nick Baines, the bishop of Leeds, told the Observer: “People have missed being with family members who have died. But, now we learn that there is one rule for the people and another for No 10 and the elite. Ministers have clearly been told to tweet support for Cummings. What price conscience? Or integrity? Or credibility? Or competence at a time when leadership can only be rooted in trust?”
Police warned that the allegations came at a crucial moment in the lockdown, with officers attempting to enforce the rules during a sunny bank holiday. George Peretz QC, a public law barrister, also suggested Cummings could have breached laws put in place to enforce the lockdown.
Downing Street declined to comment on the new claims.
May 24, 2020 -- 10:00AM, politicspunter wrote:
May 24, 2020 -- 8:39AM, Cider wrote:No. I was saying the reaction was uncomfortable and OTT, read the thread.Cider • April 10, 2020 6:16 PM BSTHer position was untenable. Joe Pike actually asked about Jenrick at the Scottish briefing earlier today, only he would know why.Now, are you sure ?
That was after it emerged that she had gone to her holiday home with the family twice, and the SNP had lied about the reason. She was the public face of Scotland's campaign. So yes once it emerged she was taking day trips to the beach with her family while going on telly telling everyone there to stay at home her position became untenable as the CMO.
May 24, 2020 -- 10:07AM, Cider wrote:
May 24, 2020 -- 9:00AM, politicspunter wrote:May 24, 2020 -- 8:39AM, Cider wrote:No. I was saying the reaction was uncomfortable and OTT, read the thread.Cider • April 10, 2020 6:16 PM BSTHer position was untenable. Joe Pike actually asked about Jenrick at the Scottish briefing earlier today, only he would know why.Now, are you sure ?That was after it emerged that she had gone to her holiday home with the family twice, and the SNP had lied about the reason. She was the public face of Scotland's campaign. So yes once it emerged she was taking day trips to the beach with her family while going on telly telling everyone there to stay at home her position became untenable as the CMO.
Cider • May 24, 2020 9:39 AM BST
No. I was saying the reaction was uncomfortable and OTT, read the thread.
But here you are on this very thread claiming that the reaction to the Scottish lady was "uncomfortable and OTT". Now which hat have you got on today?
May 24, 2020 -- 10:11AM, politicspunter wrote:
May 24, 2020 -- 9:07AM, Cider wrote:May 24, 2020 -- 9:00AM, politicspunter wrote:May 24, 2020 -- 8:39AM, Cider wrote:No. I was saying the reaction was uncomfortable and OTT, read the thread.Cider • April 10, 2020 6:16 PM BSTHer position was untenable. Joe Pike actually asked about Jenrick at the Scottish briefing earlier today, only he would know why.Now, are you sure ?That was after it emerged that she had gone to her holiday home with the family twice, and the SNP had lied about the reason. She was the public face of Scotland's campaign. So yes once it emerged she was taking day trips to the beach with her family while going on telly telling everyone there to stay at home her position became untenable as the CMO.Cider • May 24, 2020 9:39 AM BSTNo. I was saying the reaction was uncomfortable and OTT, read the thread.But here you are on this very thread claiming that the reaction to the Scottish lady was "uncomfortable and OTT". Now which hat have you got on today?
It was yes. It was a public shaming and an embarrassment to the SNP. That doesn't mean that once more facts emerged that it didn't mean her position as the CMO didn't become untenable. Those are two different things. The bigger question is why the SNP were so relaxed about her misdemeanors, and felt it was appropriate for her to take part in the press briefing, and in fact lied and tried to cover up what she had been up to. Se should never have been put in that position.
Cider • April 10, 2020 6:16 PM BST
Her position was untenable. Joe Pike actually asked about Jenrick at the Scottish briefing earlier today, only he would know why.
But then when I said you had been baying for her blood (as you were) today you claimed...
Cider • May 24, 2020 9:39 AM BST
No. I was saying the reaction was uncomfortable and OTT, read the thread.
You aren't believable Cider. You are just making it up as you go along but can't recall your lies.
May 23, 2020 -- 9:22PM, Cider wrote:
May 23, 2020 -- 8:19PM, politicspunter wrote:The childcare story is total hokum. They had relatives two streets away in London.Who doesn't seek refuge with their parents at a time of crisis, even older people. He just did what made most sense I'm assuming rather than getting the slide rule out to check it suited every word of the guidelines. He didn't go there for fun did he.
To be fair, Cider's floundering badly. He missed yesterday's update to the story and is still going with the staying with the parents line.
May 24, 2020 -- 10:36AM, nineteen points wrote:
was it his mothers birthday ?
Sure was, music blaring out ABBA and dancing in the garden.
I'll break it down in simple terms for you. This did not happen.
May 24, 2020 -- 10:38AM, Cider wrote:
Erm, were you not baying for the blood of the Scottish medical officer?I'll break it down in simple terms for you. This did not happen.
Cider • April 10, 2020 6:16 PM BST
Her position was untenable. Joe Pike actually asked about Jenrick at the Scottish briefing earlier today, only he would know why.
✔
@joepike
UPDATED: 7 Tory MPs have now called for Cummings to go:
-Steve Baker
-Simon Hoare
-Damian Collins
-Sir Roger Gale
-Sir Peter Bone
-Caroline Nokes
-Craig Whittaker
Plus William Wragg has re-tweeted Mr Baker's tweet, suggesting he is of the same view.
May 24, 2020 -- 10:40AM, politicspunter wrote:
May 24, 2020 -- 9:38AM, Cider wrote:Erm, were you not baying for the blood of the Scottish medical officer?I'll break it down in simple terms for you. This did not happen.Cider • April 10, 2020 6:16 PM BSTHer position was untenable. Joe Pike actually asked about Jenrick at the Scottish briefing earlier today, only he would know why.
Are you really that thick?
Only way out would be to use the "become a distraction" excuse.
If he was up there the second time on 19th April he is gawn imho
Knives will be out for him. The press want him, they will get him.
May 24, 2020 -- 11:07AM, Whisperingdeath wrote:
Shirley traffic cams can conform where his car was and also mobile phone tracking? If he was up there the second time on 19th April he is gawn imhoKnives will be out for him. The press want him, they will get him.
Can't believe there aren't any pictures.
Even the simplest of simpletons knows that's a massive payday
you actually think downing street are sitting on evidence that proves cummings wasn't in durham as tory mp,s take turns to go on tv/radio/social media,saying he must go
ITS YELLOW,IT QUACKS AND ITS A FOOOOOOOOOOOOOKING DUCK,CAPICHE
————
You decided wether to risk that 30 mile trip from Chepstow to Bath to visit your parents yet? or are you still seeking advice from the forum, perhaps you need a bit of Cummings backbone.
May 24, 2020 -- 11:24AM, potlis wrote:
Politicspunter “ No, but I am honest“ ————You decided wether to risk that 30 mile trip from Chepstow to Bath to visit your parents yet? or are you still seeking advice from the forum, perhaps you need a bit of Cummings backbone.
Oh yes, you were the guy that hadn't a clue whether the guidelines allowed me to, weren't you?
Boris and Cummings are Damned if they do, and Damned if they don't when your opposition has an agenda.
Politics seems to no longer be about taking care of the people, it seems to be a perpetual witch hunt in some shape or form fuelled by vanity, egotistical and narcissistic self-promotion.
There is no pressure on Cummings apart from that generated by the hysterical media and we all know what their agenda is and where their loyalties lie.
If they want Cummings, then everyone who also did the same must go (i.e. Stephen Kinnock).
'Let's not lose sight of the fact he is not an MP, just a man like you or I who just happens to have landed a good job working for the Government and seems to be doing such a good job certain people with a certain political leaning cannot cope with it (it’s the UK version of Trump derangement syndrome)
Just look at how the Democrats in the USA are eating themselves alive daily, i feel their politics has descended into political farce and our political system seems to be not far behind.
Should every member of the public resign if found guilty of breaking the guidelines, how would that help business.
Some people’s recreational drives are longer than others.
The people who keep on about these rules flouters need to understand they are supporting Totalitarianism..........the legislation was fired like a rocket through Parliament quicker than the Ben Bill...........no scrutiny whatsoever..................this is not democracy
The Lib-Lab-Con government is continuing to portray we are a democratic society.........far from it..........there are far too many instances daily of Laws not being enforced for no other reason than a NWO agenda policed by a PC culture and corrupt politicians.
When the people start policing the people then you are no longer a free society.
All Governments whether they promote Socialism, Marxism, Communism or Capitalism are Totalitarian by nature, they all want your money and to control every aspect of your life.
It's just a matter of how much force the Government are prepared to use to control the population............the more they struggle to keep control and push their agenda, the more the veil slips and the use of force becomes ever more visible.
The UK is supposedly a democracy but for decades we have witnessed a continual erosion of free speech and an increase in Police brutality and a draconian, Nazi inspired attitude toward the people the Government is supposed to serve.
Remember the Police are there not to protect you but to keep those in power in power!
I never thought the day would come when i would rather not be living in England. It is turning into a Totalitarian **** hole populated by the types of people who are only going to drag this country and its society into the gutter.
May 24, 2020 -- 11:34AM, potlis wrote:
Yep, and your the guy that needs someone to hold his hand when he crosses the road, grow a pair.
Yes, you were the one who, like Cummings, was telling everyone to ignore the government guidelines and decide for yourself, weren't you?
May 24, 2020 -- 11:44AM, potlis wrote:
Really? As I recall you got upset because I wouldn’t give you that advice, told you to man up and make the decision for yourself, not ask a stranger on a forum.
I wasn't the least bit upset. You were advising everyone it was ok to do whatever you wanted irrespective of different government guidelines within the home nations.
grant shapps saying the plebs got it wrong and staying at home actually meant staying at what suited you best,obviously why gordon ramsey went to cornwall,
Twice in fact, as I recall asking you if your question was just an attempt at “political point scoring” to which you replied “no”
sorry to mention it again but why don't mirror/guardian probe where the mother was yesterday,could slam dunk it for them,
i
May 24, 2020 -- 12:02PM, Cider wrote:
Typical of the far left potlis, they are only worried about what other people are doing.
As I am a traditional conservative voter, that's obviously not me you are being abusive to is it?
maybe don't stay at home would have been a better slogan
You did the same on the tread we are discussing, reply to my original post with your parents nonsense, which now turns out to be lies, again you doing the trolling.
I did like this one on same thread
Johnson fires cummings
cummings brings down Johnson
gove gets job
gove hires cummings
May 24, 2020 -- 12:18PM, potlis wrote:
Nice attempt to swerve, but even on that tread, as I recall, it was you replying to something I originally posted, which you took exception to, so the troll tag goes to you, and also , as I remember, you acknowledge you were wrong when the GE results came in.You did the same on the tread we are discussing, reply to my original post with your parents nonsense, which now turns out to be lies, again you doing the trolling.
No deflection at all, at least you are consistently abusive! I recall on that general election thread I was suggesting that as Ruth Davidson was no longer the Scottish Conservative leader, the tories would find it tough to hold on to their thirteen Scottish seats. You were abusive and saying they would not only hold on to them but win more seats. At the election the tories in Scotland lost seven seats but strangely enough you never appeared to say that I was correct all along. There were no lies on my behalf on the other thread where you were also abusive. You were advising everyone to do whatever they wanted to do, ala Cummings, despite different guidelines within home nation governments.
doris and co games up dom how do you want to play it
dom you,ll have to sack me and if you do I,ll bring you all down,
silence,gove smirking in the corner
has he got this much power
they could be trying to cover up what doris did and didn't no
✔
@Tobias_Ellwood
GOVERNMENT is entering the most complex phase of biggest emergency since WW2.
But the ship is being blown off course.
Time for a FORMAL ADDRESS from the Captain offering firm leadership, command & control to resolve setbacks, re-unite collective resolve & rebuild mission focus.
May 24, 2020 -- 12:34PM, A_T wrote:
Dom has always been Gove's man - it's as if he's been trying to make Pericles look bad
To be fair, he's never needed much help to achieve that 
Your Ruth Davidson comment was in reply to my suggesting the Tory success was due to their stance on Brexit with Scottish remain voters, you were adamant they would be wiped out without Davidson, why the acknowledgement from you were wrong afterwards then? or are you going to lie about that too?
Are you going to acknowledge, after your troll accusation, that it was actually you replying to a comment I made on that other thread?
its over, the little bairns will finish him off
1/ Boris knew everything but stood by Cummings
2/ Boris didn't know everything but still stands by Cummings
Boris has an escape route in scenario 2/
,give it up cider take a few days away,yoiur making a fool of yourself ,getting owned,battered,its not a good look,
but would have to take on trust cummings/gove wouldn't blow him up when it suited,
Amazing really, people haven’t the sense to know when/how it’s safe to meet-up with their relatives, need the Government to spell out every detail for them, yet they are allowed to buy power tools and drive a car.
potlis, If I stay in Chepstow, is it ok to go and meet up with my parents in Bath?
Rate reply:
——————
My post on that thread, not addressed to you, and you trolling me, along with your lying for point scoring, you weren’t in Chepstow and your parents weren’t in Bath.
@RobertSyms
The Govt have to explain Test Track and Trace and the next phase of lifting lockdown next week. Whatever the merits of a Govt Advisor they should never be the story or it detracts from central message which is to get us out of this crisis. The advisor should go.
Another one joins the chorus .......
Seems there are a few who need the Government to tie their shoelaces and hold their hand while they cross the road.
potlis • May 11, 2020 3:19 PM BST
LaughLaughLaugh It’s a conspiracy I tell yer,
Don’t need help exposing your stupidity PP, you’re doing a great job on your own.
potlis • May 11, 2020 3:31 PM BST
There was no gain to be had from a simple Yes, we would all of missed the opportunity of watching you make a fool of yourself.
Now, will you be visiting your parent in Bath?
This is your normal abusive stuff from that thread potlis.
So who’s the troll?
cummings begging to stay did nothing wrong,wants to go along with opposition calls for enquiry,presumably so he can show a few witnesses ,journo,s the error of their ways
,press conference delayed an hr, might be an doris appearence
@Peston
There is a last play to keep Cummings in post in face of pressure from Tory MPs for him to go, but Cummings confident he did nothing wrong - which is to ask Cabinet Secretary to investigate, as requested by Labour. My bet is that’s what will happen. With everything else going on, Cabinet Sec Sedwill would love that, I am sure
I remember the days you wouldn't lie to the lollipop lady never mind the teacher
in all walks of life I hate liars me,hate them with a passion
https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-writers-in-lockdown-by-the-people-stuck-with-them
Anybody got copy of this?
