Stocksbridge and Penistone MP Miriam Cates throws her support behind Dominic Cummings

The MP for Stocksbridge and Penistone became the latest MP to voice their opinion on the issue as she spoke with BBC Radio 5 this afternoon, stating that, as a parent herself, she fully understood his motivation, and doesn’t believe the prime minister’s chief adviser should be condemned for his actions.

Ms Cates added that there have always been clear ‘reasonable excuses’ for leaving your home during lockdown, and that she feels Mr Cummings actions did not breach these.

“Mr Cummings has clearly been motivated by care for his wife and family, which is admirable,” she said.

“It is my judgment, from what the rules are, and the guidelines around the lockdown which we’ve all been following very closely, I don’t believe he’s broken the law.”

Of Mr Cummings statement yesterday - outlining his movements between March 27 and April 16, after it was alleged he had broken lockdown guidelines by driving 260 miles from London to Durham - Ms Cates said: “I think he gave a very moving and detailed statement.

“It’s not the case that there was a ban on driving in that time, and I think he was making every reasonable effort to return to work; he has a very important job in the heart of government.

“I support him in doing that, as many other critical workers have also made a lot of effort to work through this time.”

Ms Cates went on to say that she has received lots of emails from her constituents in recent weeks, asking for clarification around lockdown rules, and that she has always advised them as to the circumstances which they too personally may leave their homes.

“We’ve heard repeatedly the chief medical officer telling people to leave home if they need to seek help,” she said.

“If people have not fully understood that, and not been aware of the full extent of the legislation, I understand how frustrating that is, but that does not change the fact that it is there, and if he has not broken the law, he should not be condemned.”

She added: “People are feeling the strain, the stress and hardship, and the thought anybody might think they’re above the rules is hard to bear, but we mustn’t judge somebody when evidence suggests they’ve acted within the law.”

Speaking of whether she thought her opinion would be popular with the public, she added: “Sometimes, standing up for people when you think they’ve done the right thing, or don’t think they should be condemned, may not be popular, but it is what’s right.

“I support the prime minister in his support of Mr Cummings.

“It wouldn’t be right for him to be forced into a decision by opinion and media speculation.”