Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP adds his voice to the clarion call for Government advisor to go

Dominic Cummings.

The senior advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, came under fire at the weekend, when it was revealed that he had undertaken a 260 mile journey with his family from London to his parents’ home in Durham in late March because of concerns that he and his wife had contracted Coronavirus and they had no childcare provision for their young son.

This journey, along with a subsequent journey to Barnard Castle on April 12th, sparked public fury and calls for his removal from post.

Talking to the Gazette about the matter, Conservative MSP Donald Cameron, said: “Having taken the difficult decision myself to stay away from home in Lochaber throughout lockdown to allow me to continue to meet my responsibilities as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (and thus avoid unnecessary travel), I fully understand the public’s frustration and anger.

“There has been much speculation over Dominic Cummings’ actions, and I was keen to be in a position to provide a more considered response once the facts were more fully presented.

“However, it is now clear that, whether or not Mr Cummings believes he acted within the law - or even within the spirit of the law, there is widespread anger at his actions, as well as legitimate concerns that the impact of government public health advice may have been undermined.

“While it is plainly a matter for the Prime Minister, it is my personal view that Dominic Cummings should have resigned or be removed from his position, and I have made my views known through the appropriate channels.”

Mr Cameron added: “It is now vital that the UK Government focuses all its attention and efforts on the work it is doing in fighting this pandemic and supporting families, communities and businesses across the United Kingdom.

“And I will continue, as a Highlands and Islands MSP, to raise issues in the Scottish Parliament, both generally and those specifically relating to coronavirus and the lockdown, which are causing concern to my constituents.”

Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has also voiced his concerns about the matter.

He highlighted how Islanders had made enormous emotional and economic sacrifices over the last few months to obey the rules and help save lives and added that as Boris Johnson’s most senior adviser was breaking these rules he should have no place in government.

He continued: “Every day I get calls or emails from people who can’t travel because of the lockdown guidance. There are heart-wrenching stories from those who can’t come to the aid of friends and family, or see loved ones for the last time.

“He (Dominic Cummings) should have resigned but instead he showed no contrition and refused to say sorry for his behaviour which has left millions of people – who have been sticking to the rules – justifiably furious.

“People must have confidence that the Tory government is following its own rules – not being investigated by the police for breaking them.

“As Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw said: ‘There cannot be one rule for bosses and another for everyone else.’