CRITICS have slammed Dominic Cummings’ lockdown breach claiming it sends an ‘appalling message’.

Labour supporters and several Conservative MPs are demanding Mr Cummings resigns – despite the Prime Minister’s support.

Boris Johnson's senior adviser, first came under fire following allegations he broke lockdown rules by visiting his parents' home in County Durham, with many claiming her repeatedly visited the region.

Among his critics are Durham city Labour MP Mary Foy, she said: “Clearly, Dominic Cummings has little regard for the rules and guidelines that have been put in place to keep us safe. All over my constituency, and all over the country, people have been making the most incredible sacrifices to adhere to these rules, some of them really tragic – like people not being able to attend funerals or be with their loved ones in their final days. How do you think it feels for them to hear the justifications for Dominic Cummings’ behaviour that are coming from the highest levels of Government?

“Via my constituency inbox, I am hearing people tell me of the frustrations that they feel at the lockdown, the isolation they’re experiencing, yet hardly any are asking for it to be lifted until it’s safe to do so. What this behaviour signals is that if you work for the Prime Minister, there are different rules that apply to you. I think that’s an appalling message to give out and I can understand why people feel angry about it.

"But I have to say, that while we are focusing on the behaviour of an individual, there are huge issues that Boris Johnson is still sweeping under the carpet. There is an incredible lack of leadership at the heart of Government, which this mess does nothing to help. 60,000 people have died; testing and tracing is far behind where it should be; there are huge worries about redundancies; many are still dealing with inadequate PPE and people are confused about the lockdown rules because of weeks of mixed messaging from the Prime Minister and the Government. It’s time to get a grip. The Prime Minister must first explain Dominic Cummings’ actions, then he must address these severe failings of Government."

Labour MP for North Durham, Kevan Jones added: "If he was self-isolating with symptoms having worked with the PM – who had the virus – it would appear pretty reckless to travel 270 miles to stay with relatives in Durham."

However, some Conservative MPs have jumped to Cummings' defence claiming he acted with "responsibly and legally and with integrity".

The Prime Minister told yesterday's Downing Street press conference: "I have had extensive face-to-face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus – and when he had no alternative – I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent."

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also tweeted his support, he said: "It’s reasonable and fair to ask for an explanation on this. And it has been provided: two parents with coronavirus, were anxiously taking care of their young child. Those now seeking to politicise it should take a long hard look in the mirror.

Despite the support, several Conservative MPs have joined their political opponents calling for his sacking, Sir Robert Syms, the Poole Conservative MP tweeted: "The Government has to explain test, track and trace and the next phase of lifting lockdown next week.

"Whatever the merits of a Government adviser, they should never be the story or it detracts from the central message which is to get us out of this crisis. The adviser should go."

Councillor Amanda Hopgood, Lib Dem Leader of the Opposition on Durham County Council also spoke out on the controversy, she said: "We are aware that a number of local residents have reported seeing Mr Cummings in the city and county of Durham on a number of occasions during April and May and have expressed concern about the public health implications of his presence given reports that he has been affected by the coronavirus.

Given the clear public interest in this case I have referred this matter to the Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary to ask her force to investigate whether Mr Cummings may have committed an offence under the provisions of section 15 of the 2020 Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations."