John Glen, Danny Kruger respond to Dominic Cummings allegations

Dominic Cummings travelled from London to Durham with his sick wife during the coronavirus emergency, and there have been calls for Mr Cummings to resign his position as chief aide to Boris Johnson since the trip was made public.

Salisbury MP John Glen told the Journal: "I have reflected carefully on what happened and listened to the views of constituents who have written to me, both supporting Mr Cummings and angered by his actions.

"I do not doubt that, right or wrong, he acted in what he thought were the best interests of his wife and son, but I feel extremely sorry for the frustration and anger that some people feel.

"I am personally always acutely aware of the responsibility to both do the right thing and be seen to do the right thing, and I am grateful to everyone who continues to make considerable personal sacrifices to comply with the lockdown."

Mr Glen added: "I will continue to focus on the next stage of the journey back to normality with non-essential shops opening on 15 June, which will be very welcome in Salisbury.

"I have been working from home all week to ensure that as much can be done to enhance safety and support local businesses as they prepare for resumption of trading."

Devizes MP Danny Kruger offered his support to Mr Cummings, tweeting on Saturday: "Dom and Mary's journey was necessary and therefore within rules. What's also necessary is not attacking a man and his family for decisions taken at a time of great stress and worry, the fear of death and concern for a child. This isn't a story for the normal political ***kickery."

This was followed by another tweet on Sunday which said: "[I] Am hating the abuse I’m getting on here for sticking up for the Cummings’s. But they are old friends and here goes again: they’re human beings with a small child & made a decision in an emergency.

"PM is satisfied. Hope we can get back to discussing the recovery now. (Fond hope)"

Mr Kruger added in a statement to the Journal: “Yesterday's statement from Dominic Cummings was comprehensive.

"It's a complicated story and he gave all the details. Given what he told us, I am satisfied that the trip was within the guidance, which states that in exceptional circumstances - including the wellbeing of a child - moving location is acceptable, so long as proper isolation rules are followed, which apparently they were.

“I respect the many sacrifices people have made to comply with lockdown guidance, and I understand why so many people feel let down. I accept it looks bad.

"You can legitimately question why they had to travel a long way to self-isolate, and why they took a trip to Barnard Castle. But Mr Cummings has given full accounts of all this, which I personally accept.

“I am so sorry that I am unable to represent the views of the many constituents who have written to complain that the Prime Minister is sticking by Mr Cummings. I believe he is right to do so.”

Mr Cummings sought to defend his decision to drive to County Durham, saying he believes he behaved "reasonably" and does not regret his actions.

In a highly unusual press conference in the rose garden of 10 Downing Street on Monday night, the Prime Minister's chief adviser said he made the journey because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with Covid-19, but also concerns about his family's safety.

James Gray, Conservative Member of Parliament for North Wiltshire, on the other hand, called on Mr Cummings to step back from government.

In a post on his website, Mr Gray said: “None of us yet know the details of what Mr Cummings did, nor why. It may be that more will emerge in the coming days to justify (or to condemn) his behaviour.

“But for now I believe that at a time when thanks to his advice we are all going through Lockdown, our personal circumstances very often being a great deal worse than his, it most certainly does look like a double standard to apparently ignore his own advice.

“That is without question the perception throughout the land.

“I therefore do think that unless and until he can justify what he did, he should face the consequences of it and give up his role as a government adviser.

“Having him continuing at the heart of government undermines our credibility and the strength of our message.”

Mr Gray added: “It is my view that Mr Cummings should at very least step back from government with no further delay.”

When asked for his thoughts on the matter, New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne declined to comment, stating: "I'll keep my own counsel whilst the media frenzy rages, then I'll reflect."