Revolt brews over UK adviser’s lockdown breach

London, May 27

As many as 39 MPs from within British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s own Conservative Party are in a rebellion mode on Wednesday, demanding the removal of the premier’s top aide, Dominic Cummings, as the row surrounding his 400-km drive at the height of the stay-at-home lockdown refuses to die down.

Several Cabinet ministers are also believed to be of the view that Cummings, Downing Street’s Chief Strategy Adviser, did breach the spirit of the rules and must step down in the wake of junior Scotland minister Douglas Ross’ resignation from the government over the issue on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a full-fledged police investigation is underway to establish any legal breaches of the guidelines.

Public opinion is also seen to be hardening against the senior adviser since he addressed a rare press conference in Downing Street earlier this week, with a new survey slashing the Johnson-led Tory party’s lead over the Opposition Labour Party by nine points.

A YouGov survey for ‘The Times’ found support for the Tories was down by four points to 44 per cent, while Labour added five points to 38 per cent compared with a week ago. Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is among the Tory MPs leading the revolt. — PTI

Cabinet wants him to quit

Several Cabinet ministers are believed to be of the view that Dominic Cummings did breach the spirit of the rules and must step down.