Local MP responds amid Dominic Cummings backlash

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Chief Advisor has recently come under fire for not adhering to measures put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Dominic Cummings travelled with his family from London to County Durham - 260 miles away - even though they were experiencing symptoms of the virus.

The advice for everyone is to self-isolate.

Many in Exmouth have turned to local Conservative MP, Simon Jupp for his response on the actions of Dominic Cummings and how the Government has responded.

"Like you, I have felt a mixture of anger, disappointment and frustration in recent days," Simon Jupp said in a statement.

"We are all making significant sacrifices and coping with situations we couldn't imagine just a few months ago.

"Many of us, including myself, have lost people in our lives and haven't been able to see family and friends. It's been incredibly tough for everyone.

"Hundreds of people have contacted me regarding Dominic Cummings. I have read each and every email sent to me on this topic. I wanted to know the facts before responding to you.

"I have raised questions which I felt needed answering and made the strength of feeling in East Devon clear to the party leadership.

"I won't rehearse the timeline of events with you. I'm sure you either watched the press conference or have since read about it via a trusted and respected news source.

"Although I believe his actions were motivated by a father's desire to do what he felt was necessary to protect his family in exceptional circumstances, if placed in the same situation I wouldn't have made the same decisions and would have since considered my position.

"I will continue to share my views and those of my constituents with the party leadership. This has been a deeply unhelpful distraction we could do without as a nation dealing with a pandemic.

"As your MP, I will continue to focus my efforts on the hundreds of emails I continue to receive daily from constituents requiring my help and support.

"I would be doing a disservice to you and those who need support during this difficult time if I acted in any other way."