Wakefield Conservative councillors give their views on Dominic Cummings fallout

Mr Cummings has been heavily criticised for making the trip to Durham after the UK went into lockdown, but he remains in his job.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed said he felt the No 10 adviser's journey to his parents' farm last month was justifiable because of his family circumstances.

The fallout from Mr Cummings' actions has split the Tory party, with around 20 MPs publicly calling for him to resign or be sacked by Boris Johnson.

Wakefield's Imran Ahmad Khan backed Mr Cummings on Tuesday, however, saying he'd acted in the best interests of his young son.

Coun Ahmed, who leads the opposition Tory group on Wakefield Council, said he believed Mr Cummings had acted "within the rules".

And Councillor Ahmed, who leads the 11-strong opposition Tory group on Wakefield Council, says he believes Mr Cummings should stay.

"I've heard many different views, but I think he was within the rules, looking at his explanation," Coun Ahmed said.

"It's an emotive topic for people. There was a little lad who died in London and his parents couldn't go to his funeral. Of course, I think people will look at this and be upset by it at the moment.

"But looking at it from his perspective, I think there were extenuating circumstances.

"It's a tough one, because he has travelled a long way, but he's done it under those circumstances.

"Could he apologise? I think people would still be baying for blood if he did.

"I'd have probably done the same if I was in that situation."

Councillor Nick Farmer, who represents the Ossett ward, agreed.

He said: "I think it's all been blown out of proportion to be honest.

"He's put his son first. I'd put my family first before my job. I think 99 per cent of people would.

"He did what he thought was best. I think it's a bit of witch hunt now."

However, Councillor Samantha Harvey, said she thought Mr Cummings should say sorry, though she backed him to remain in government.

"I'm not impressed at all," Coun Harvey, who represents Wakefield Rural, said.

"I think you can see from the YouGov polling people are not as generous about this as Dominic Cummings might think.

"I felt he should have apologised to the British people.

"If he did so I think they would be much happier and readier to forgive him.

"I think he should be loved by the public because he delivered Brexit and that was the will of the people.

"He's a very important figure in government, but I think with hindsight he could have done things very differently."

Local Democracy Reporting Service

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