Dominic Cummings has to resign or be released by the PM says Calder Valley's Tory MP

Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, was among those to speak out and criticise Mr Johnson's right-hand man.

He tweeted: “I totally agree that Dominic Cummings position is untenable. I’m sure he took the decision in the best interests of his family but like every decision we take we also have to take responsibility for those decisions.

“You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite.”

The PM's senior aide Dominic Cummings defended his decision to drive to County Durham as he said he said he feared for his childcare situation and his family’s safety.

Mr Cummings appeared before the press to answer questions over a trip to stay on his parents’ property in Durham, an episode he confirmed was true, as well as a visit to Barnard Castle which he said was to test his eyesight.

However he disputed other parts of the reporting, including that he made a second trip or that he had opposed the lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Despite his explanation Mr Whittaker has said Mr Cummings position remains in question.

Speaking on his Facebook page Mr Wittaker said: "I fully understand and respect the guy taking a decision to what he thinks in his mind was the right thing to do for his family.

"So I fully respect that and understand that and had I been in the same situation I can honestly say I would have probably considered it and may have even taken it.

"However I wasn't in that position and didn't take that position.

"He did though and it is for that reason I believe he needs to be held accountable and he needs to take responsibility for his actions.

"There is nothing wrong taking action but there is a consequence.

"You cannot be adviser to the Prime Minister of this country who has advised the nation to do one thing and then find a loophole to do what ever you want to do.

"And it is for that reason only that I believe his position is untenable.

Mr Whittaker explained that he has never spoken to Mr Cummings or had dealings with him.

Reacting to his press conference in the gardens of Downing Street, Mr Whittaker said: "I have no reason to disbelieve him of why he took the decision and made the decisions he did.

"It still doesn't take away from the fact that he is the Prime Minister's special adviser.

"He sits on SAGE and he reports back to the PM who then advises the nation on what to do.

"The advice was very clear it was stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

"That was the message during the time that he went. away from London

"When you are an MP and had emails from families, about people sat man and wife that have been married for a number of years and been sat in the lounge one minute and then one of them is taken away to hospital via ambulance the next They have not been able to see them in hospital because of this pandemic and see them passing away.

"Thais the last time they see that family

"I've had emails about not being able to go the crematorium to say goodbye.

"Imagine how these people feel because they were following the scientific advice , the Government advice, the advice Dominic Cummings had given to help formulate the policy.

"We've had dozens and dozens of grandparents not able to see their grandchildren. We've seen vulnerable people in lockdown.

"People are adhering to the advice that has been given by the scientists, by the PM and ultimately by Dominic Cummings.

"So you cannot give that advice and do something different.

"The perception this gives out is dire.

"That is why in my view and the position of Dominic Cummings is untenable.

"I don't blame him for taking the decisions that he did. Rightly or wrongly that isnt for me to judge.

"The reality is he did take that decision and he needs to take responsibility for that decision and in my view he either needs to resign or be released by the Prime Minister."