British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s closest adviser, Dominic Cummings, travelled more than 400 km from his London home after showing symptoms of coronavirus, breaking the government’s lockdown rules

Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules; Defended by Boris Johnson

Amid the controversy of Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings, the officials have now stated that the adviser did not break any lockdown rules.

"I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters.

"Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," a Downing Street spokesman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-visited-parents-while-having-symptoms-of-covid-19-300513">Also read:&nbsp;Boris Johnson's top aide visited parents while having symptoms of COVID-19</a>

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr. Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally," the spokesman continued.

This comes after the opposition, Labour party, demanded a 'swift explanation' and sacking of the adviser, as they believed that Dominic Cummings broke the COVID-19 lockdown rules, as he&nbsp;400kms from London to Durham during while he had coronavirus symptoms.

The opposition also stated that the government cannot have different rules for the public and different for the officials.

Amid the controversy of Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings, the officials have now stated that the adviser did not break any lockdown rules. "I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters.

Amid the controversy of Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings, the officials have now stated that the adviser did not break any lockdown rules. "I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters. "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," a Downing Street spokesman said. Also read: Boris Johnson's top aide visited parents while having symptoms of COVID-19 "At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr. Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally," the spokesman continued. This comes after the opposition, Labour party, demanded a 'swift explanation' and sacking of the adviser, as they believed that Dominic Cummings broke the COVID-19 lockdown rules, as he 400kms from London to Durham during while he had coronavirus symptoms. The opposition also stated that the government cannot have different rules for the public and different for the officials.

Cummings did not break any rules: UK PM office resists calls to take action over lockdown drive

One of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top advisers, Dominic Cummings, drew police attention after allegedly breaking the coronavirus lockdown, reports said Friday.

Dominic Cummings travelled hundreds of miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown when he had coronavirus symptoms.

Cummings and his wife went to his parents' home to self-isolate, a source close to the PM's chief aide said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-introduce-quarantine-for-international-arrivals-from-june-8-300503" hreflang="en">UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8</a>

The main opposition Labour party demanded&nbsp;a "swift explanation" by Boris Johnson for Cummings' actions,&nbsp;saying the reports suggested Cummings viewed himself as&nbsp;above the law, while the smaller Liberal Democrats said it could be a resigning issue.

"If accurate, the prime minister's chief adviser appears to have breached the lockdown rules. The government's guidance was very clear: stay at home and no non-essential travel," a spokesman said.

"The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for Dominic Cummings."&nbsp;

Police in Durham confirmed they received a tip-off on March 31 about someone who had travelled to the city from London.

"Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house," the force said in a statement.

"In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel."

Cummings was later spotted near his parents' home with a small child, believed to be his son, the report said.

At the time, Johnson's government was advising people to only go out for essential purposes to slow the spread of coronavirus, and for anyone with symptoms to stay at home.

Cummings was a key member of the 2016 Brexit campaign alongside Johnson, and the latter brought him into Downing Street when he took office last year.

One of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top advisers, Dominic Cummings, drew police attention after allegedly breaking the coronavirus lockdown, reports said Friday.

One of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top advisers, Dominic Cummings, drew police attention after allegedly breaking the coronavirus lockdown, reports said Friday. Dominic Cummings travelled hundreds of miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown when he had coronavirus symptoms. Cummings and his wife went to his parents' home to self-isolate, a source close to the PM's chief aide said. Also read: UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8 The main opposition Labour party demanded a "swift explanation" by Boris Johnson for Cummings' actions, saying the reports suggested Cummings viewed himself as above the law, while the smaller Liberal Democrats said it could be a resigning issue. "If accurate, the prime minister's chief adviser appears to have breached the lockdown rules. The government's guidance was very clear: stay at home and no non-essential travel," a spokesman said. "The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for Dominic Cummings." Police in Durham confirmed they received a tip-off on March 31 about someone who had travelled to the city from London. "Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house," the force said in a statement. "In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel." Cummings was later spotted near his parents' home with a small child, believed to be his son, the report said. At the time, Johnson's government was advising people to only go out for essential purposes to slow the spread of coronavirus, and for anyone with symptoms to stay at home. Cummings was a key member of the 2016 Brexit campaign alongside Johnson, and the latter brought him into Downing Street when he took office last year.

Boris Johnson's top aide visited parents while having symptoms of COVID-19

Britain's finance minister Sajid Javid on Saturday he had a "fantastic" relationship with Boris Johnson after reports of a furious argument with the prime minister after the sacking of one of his aides.

British media had reported that Javid was 'livid' about the firing of his press aide by Johnson's top adviser Dominic Cummings, who was looking into whether government officials had helped opponents of the premier’s Brexit plans.

Javid said that though it would be inappropriate to directly discuss personnel issues, his views were 'well understood' after the media reports. However, he said he got on well with Johnson.

"The relationship is fantastic with the prime minister," Javid told BBC radio. "(He's) someone I've always got on with incredibly well, and it's been a real privilege to work with him so closely."

Javid would not be drawn on how well he got along with Cummings but denied assertions by the opposition Labour party that Johnson's aide was effectively running the Treasury.

"The Labour party, they're our opponents and they will say all sorts of nonsense all the time, and I'm used to it," he said.

Johnson gave Javid the finance portfolio when he came to office in July, and the apparent tensions between Downing Street and the Treasury come at a delicate time.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union with or without a transition deal on Oct. 31, heralding a showdown with parliament, while his government also seeks to outline new domestic priorities.

Javid is due to announce a one-year government spending plan on Wednesday with a focus on more funding for education, health, and the police.

Johnson announced details of the rise in schools spending on Friday, while Javid announced 400 million pounds ($491.08 million) of investment for further education on Saturday.

Javid said such moves were a sign of the smooth operation of government, which has a majority of just one in parliament.

"From the moment this new government was formed, how much activity and focus has taken place, just in the last few weeks that only happens when you have a government that is working well together," he said.

Britain's finance minister Sajid Javid on Saturday he had a "fantastic" relationship with Boris Johnson after reports of a furious argument with the prime minister after the sacking of one of his aides.

Britain's finance minister Sajid Javid on Saturday he had a "fantastic" relationship with Boris Johnson after reports of a furious argument with the prime minister after the sacking of one of his aides. British media had reported that Javid was 'livid' about the firing of his press aide by Johnson's top adviser Dominic Cummings, who was looking into whether government officials had helped opponents of the premier’s Brexit plans. Javid said that though it would be inappropriate to directly discuss personnel issues, his views were 'well understood' after the media reports. However, he said he got on well with Johnson. "The relationship is fantastic with the prime minister," Javid told BBC radio. "(He's) someone I've always got on with incredibly well, and it's been a real privilege to work with him so closely." Javid would not be drawn on how well he got along with Cummings but denied assertions by the opposition Labour party that Johnson's aide was effectively running the Treasury. "The Labour party, they're our opponents and they will say all sorts of nonsense all the time, and I'm used to it," he said. Johnson gave Javid the finance portfolio when he came to office in July, and the apparent tensions between Downing Street and the Treasury come at a delicate time. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union with or without a transition deal on Oct. 31, heralding a showdown with parliament, while his government also seeks to outline new domestic priorities. Javid is due to announce a one-year government spending plan on Wednesday with a focus on more funding for education, health, and the police. Johnson announced details of the rise in schools spending on Friday, while Javid announced 400 million pounds ($491.08 million) of investment for further education on Saturday. Javid said such moves were a sign of the smooth operation of government, which has a majority of just one in parliament. "From the moment this new government was formed, how much activity and focus has taken place, just in the last few weeks that only happens when you have a government that is working well together," he said.

UK finance minister Javid says he has fantastic relationship with PM Boris Johnson

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-overhauls-cabinet-with-brexit-hardliners-238286">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> will meet his Brexiteer-dominated team of senior ministers for the first time on Thursday to plot how to persuade the European Union to agree to a new Brexit deal ahead of the Oct. 31 exit deadline.

Johnson's dramatic rise to Britain's top job sets the world's fifth-largest economy up for a showdown with the EU and a potential constitutional crisis or election at home, as lawmakers have vowed to thwart a no-deal Brexit.

Britain's new leader promised to do a new Brexit deal with the bloc within less than 99 days but warned that if EU leaders refused what he termed a "remote possibility" then Britain would leave without a deal, "no ifs or buts".

"I am convinced that we can do a deal," Johnson, 55, said on arrival No. 10 Downing Street, the premier's official residence, after meeting Queen Elizabeth who requested he form a government.

Johnson bets that the threat of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-liberal-democrats-elect-first-female-leader-jo-swinson-to-stop-brexit-237771">no-deal Brexit</a> will persuade the EU's biggest powers Germany and France to agree to revise the divorce deal that former Prime Minister Theresa May agreed to last November but failed to ratify.

The EU has so far repeatedly refused to countenance rewriting the Withdrawal Agreement part of the divorce deal but has said it could change the so-called "Political Declaration" on future ties.

The bloc has congratulated Johnson on his victory but was firm that it would not offer Britain better departure terms.

Sweeping Cull

Johnson, whose sported a sometimes shambolic persona in his rise to power, showed mettle in office, sweeping away his predecessor's government in one of the biggest culls of senior government jobs in recent British history.

"Night of the Blond Knives," said The Sun, Britain's most-read newspaper, about the colour of Johnson's dishevelled mop of hair. A total of 17 ministers in May's government either resigned or were sacked, creating a powerful new group of enemies in parliament.

Most of Johnson's senior appointees are Brexit supporters.

Sajid Javid, 49, was named as his finance minister. He is a eurosceptic who voted to remain in the 2016 referendum.

Others are avowed Brexiteers: Priti Patel was appointed interior minister, Dominic Raab was appointed foreign minister and Stephen Barclay remained as Brexit minister.

Johnson also appointed Dominic Cummings, the campaign director of the official Brexit Vote Leave campaign, as a senior adviser in Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet his Brexiteer-dominated team of senior ministers for the first time on Thursday to plot how to persuade the European Union to agree to a new Brexit deal ahead of the Oct.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet his Brexiteer-dominated team of senior ministers for the first time on Thursday to plot how to persuade the European Union to agree to a new Brexit deal ahead of the Oct. 31 exit deadline. Johnson's dramatic rise to Britain's top job sets the world's fifth-largest economy up for a showdown with the EU and a potential constitutional crisis or election at home, as lawmakers have vowed to thwart a no-deal Brexit. Britain's new leader promised to do a new Brexit deal with the bloc within less than 99 days but warned that if EU leaders refused what he termed a "remote possibility" then Britain would leave without a deal, "no ifs or buts". "I am convinced that we can do a deal," Johnson, 55, said on arrival No. 10 Downing Street, the premier's official residence, after meeting Queen Elizabeth who requested he form a government. Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers Germany and France to agree to revise the divorce deal that former Prime Minister Theresa May agreed to last November but failed to ratify. The EU has so far repeatedly refused to countenance rewriting the Withdrawal Agreement part of the divorce deal but has said it could change the so-called "Political Declaration" on future ties. The bloc has congratulated Johnson on his victory but was firm that it would not offer Britain better departure terms. Sweeping Cull Johnson, whose sported a sometimes shambolic persona in his rise to power, showed mettle in office, sweeping away his predecessor's government in one of the biggest culls of senior government jobs in recent British history. "Night of the Blond Knives," said The Sun, Britain's most-read newspaper, about the colour of Johnson's dishevelled mop of hair. A total of 17 ministers in May's government either resigned or were sacked, creating a powerful new group of enemies in parliament. Most of Johnson's senior appointees are Brexit supporters. Sajid Javid, 49, was named as his finance minister. He is a eurosceptic who voted to remain in the 2016 referendum. Others are avowed Brexiteers: Priti Patel was appointed interior minister, Dominic Raab was appointed foreign minister and Stephen Barclay remained as Brexit minister. Johnson also appointed Dominic Cummings, the campaign director of the official Brexit Vote Leave campaign, as a senior adviser in Downing Street.

British PM Boris Johnson's top team meet to plot Brexit gambit