READING MP Alok Sharma has leapt to the defence of the Prime Minister's senior advisor, who has been accused of 'flouting' lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles to Durham.

But a former Reading Councillor and fellow Conservative has slammed Dominic Cummings and said "he will have to go eventually".

The senior advisor has received criticism recently, after travelling hundreds of miles with his wife to stay closer to his parents.

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Following the public backlash, a spokesman for number 10 Downing Street said today: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected Coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.

"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed.

"His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as being reported.

"His actions were in line with Coronavirus guidelines.

"Mr Cummings believed he behaved reasonable and legally."

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Commenting on this, Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: "The circumstances have been explained, the guidance was followed.

"Time stop the political attacks and move on as we work together to combat this awful virus."

However Emma Warman, former Conservative councillor for the Reading Borough, made her position clear on the statement, saying: "Genuinely angry about this Cummings story.

"People have been denied seeing loved ones on their death beds.

"They have been isolating without seeing one single person they know, for months now.

"We still cannot see our families and no indication when we might. He must go."