MP Atherton says Cummings “went against the spirit of lockdown” and “people are right to feel let down by this”

Wrexham’s MP has broken her silence on the topic of Dominic Cummings, asking for a line to be drawn under the “unhelpful distraction”.

Mr Cummings has been in the spotlight over the last few days after a story broke about a trip to Durham during the lockdown period.

In a response to concerned constituents Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton has said she ‘cannot understand the rationale behind his journey to Barnard Castle’.

In a unique press conference in the garden of Number 10 Downing Street, Mr Cummings gave his explanation of the trip, stating: “My wife was very worried, particularly given my eyesight seem to have been affected by the disease.

“She did not want to risk the nearly 300 mile Drive with our child given how ill I had been. We agreed we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely.”

The story has seen around 40 Conservative MP’s speak out against Mr Cummings with some asking for him to be fired or resign, including one Ministerial resignation on a point of principle, as well as igniting anger across the political spectrum.

This has created the almost unheard of bipartisan situation, for example that has seen the likes of the Mirror and the Daily Mail opting for near identical front pages:

On Sunday evening after the first statement by Prime Minister Johnson on the topic we contacted both Wrexham’s Sarah Atherton MP and Clwyd South’s Simon Baynes MP asking for their views with many in touch expressing their outrage. We had no response. We have not attempted to re-ask since the statement by Mr Cummings, or yesterday.

Last night a BBC Political Editor tweeted some apparent guidance issued to new MPs on the matter:

Political Editor of BBC’s Newsnight says “In note to newly elected MPs Danny Kruger says: No 10 won’t budge, so calling for DC to go is basically declaring no confidence in PM” Danny Kruger is “former political secretary to Boris Johnson and now Conservative MP for Devizes” https://t.co/1ioBK3e8lz

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 26, 2020

This afternoon some people in Wrexham have received an email from Sarah Atherton MP, with her response in full below:

“Subject: Dominic Cummings

Thank you for contacting me about Dominic Cummings.

Many constituents have contacted me over the bank holiday weekend regarding Dominic Cummings’ actions during lockdown. I have conveyed your varied responses to the Whips and Government colleagues.

I did not want to be drawn into commenting prematurely based on media hype and opposition demands. Instead I waited until the fuller facts were available and to hear Cummings’ statement before commenting.

On Monday, 25th May, Cummings made a public statement explaining his actions and debunking any false allegations made against him. In his statement he defended his decision to drive to County Durham, after his home become a target of abuse, fears over safeguarding and lack of childcare if he became incapacitated.

His full statement can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mSyZGy8LX8&

Having listened to his statement, I am sympathetic with some of this reasoning but I cannot understand the rationale behind his journey to Barnard Castle.

As a figure in the public eye he showed poor judgement, and I fear his actions may undermine the national message. Whilst he felt he acted within the letter of the law, his actions certainly went against the spirit of lockdown rules, which has understandably angered many people.

People are right to feel let down by this. Many people in Wrexham have sacrificed a great deal to adhere to lockdown guidance, sometimes at great personal cost. I am enormously grateful to each and every resident who has played their part to help slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus. It is vital that public confidence is not undermined by this episode and that Wrexham residents continue to follow Welsh Government advice, ensuring their sacrifices made, are not in vain.

My focus throughout this pandemic has been to use my role as your MP to offer support, guidance and advice and to help people across Wrexham, and that will continue to be my main priority. This weekend has been an unhelpful distraction from the genuine needs of my constituents, who write to me daily seeking advice and assistance with personal issues relating to coronavirus. We must draw a line under this issue and focus our efforts on our recovery plans for Wrexham, Wales, and the UK.

If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me: [email protected]

Yours,

Sarah Atherton MP”

(Thanks to the many readers who sent over a copy of the above)