Good Morning Britain asked if Boris Johnson was right to defend his chief political advisor, Dominic Cummings, over his lockdown breaches during March and April.
Boris Johnson has backed his key adviser Dominic Cummings, amid a row over the aide’s lockdown travel. The prime minister said: “In every respect, he has acted responsibly, legally and with integrity.” But a growing number of backbench Tory MPs have now called on Mr Cummings to resign over allegations that he breached lockdown rules.
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Piers Morgan, the regular host of Good Morning Britain, has been very vocal critic of the British reaction to novel coronavirus; indeed, he has been a frequent critic of Boris Johnson. Morgan has accused senior ministers of having “boycotted” his GMB show in recent weeks, with the last appearance from Communities Minister Robert Jenrick more than a month ago, in early April.
As much of Number 10 strategy is decided upon by Dominic Cummings, this places him and Piers Morgan at odds, creating something of a bias on the part of the broadcaster, who has a track record for carrying personal vendettas into his news content.
While Morgan did not feature in this item, it is clear that there are several in the media who are very keen to remove Dominic Cummings, particularly at The Guardian and The Daily Mirror who joined forces to expose Dominic Cummings’ alleged lockdown breaches.
It is the job of the media to hold power to account, however, and in this case, that is exactly what is happening.
Was Boris Johnson right to defend his key aide in this case?
It boils down to whether or not Cummings broke the rules. In travelling many miles with suspected coronavirus, he has said he was looking to place his young son in the care of a family member – his sister – an activity for which there is an apparent exemption. However, it also has transpired that, some days later, after quarantining, Cummings also paid a visit to a beauty spot, in Barnard Castle, some miles from where he had been staying.
This trip took place during the Easter weekend.
This second trip is more difficult to justify, as the only valid excuses for any British person leaving their home at this time were to purchase essential shopping; or to exercise, for up to one hour per day. A pleasure trip to a park some thirty miles away, is clearly outside of the spirit of these rules, if not directly in contravention of any laws.
One of the key elements of being a special advisor (aka “spad”) to a politician is not becoming the story yourself. Unfortunately for Dominic Cummings, he has clearly become the story; one which is likely to rumble on for some time.
He is not forced to resign; and if he has Boris Johnson’s support, Cummings can surely weather this storm. Those crowing the loudest for his head, after a time, begin to appear politically motivated.
