Durham Police Commissioner asks force to look into Cummings claims
Steve White wants officers to examine allegations about PM's top aide's conduct
Durham's Acting Police, Crime and Victims' Commissioner Steve White has today made further comments about the alledged lockdown rule breaking made by the Prime Minister's top aide Dominic Cummings.
He admitted leaving his home in London and coming to Durham when his wife was poorly with Coronavirus and he himself suspected he had symptoms, in order that their young son would be able to be cared-for by families.
Boris Johnson's given Mr Cummings his full support, though a growing number of Tory MPs have spoken out to say he ought to resign.
Today Steve White's issued a new statement on the issues which have been alleged - including Mr Cummings make a trip to Barnard Castle and multiple trips from London.
The PCVC's statement reads, "I am confident that thus far, Durham police has responded proportionately and appropriately to the issues raised concerning Mr Cummings and his visit to the County at the end of March. It is clear however that there is a plethora of additional information circulating in the public domain which deserves appropriate examination.
"I have today written to the Chief Constable, asking her to establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law or regulations in this matter at any juncture. It is vital that the Force can show it has the interests of the people of County Durham and Darlington at its heart, so that the model of policing by consent, independent of government but answerable to the law, is maintained.
"It will be for the Chief Constable to determine the operational response to this request and I am confident that with the resources at its disposal, the Force can show proportionality and fairness in what has become a major issue of public interest and trust."
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