Despite Prime Minister Johnson's intention to remain, opposition voices grow louder
Also raises fairness issues compared to others who resigned for breaking lockdown rules
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The UK political scene is in turmoil over Dominic Cummings, the chief advisor to the British Prime Minister, violating self-quarantine rules. Calls for his resignation are coming not only from the opposition but also from within the ruling party, yet Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed his intention to remain in office, prolonging the controversy.
On the 24th (local time), Steve Baker, a member of the ruling Conservative Party, appeared on Sky News and said, "I have opposed Cummings being in the Prime Minister's office," adding, "He is causing numerous collateral damages, and the situation is worsening." Baker stated, "At the very least, he did not abide by the slogan demanded of everyone in the country," and "This is why he should resign."
In March, when Cummings and his wife showed symptoms of COVID-19 infection, he visited his parents' home in Durham, 400 km north of London, instead of self-isolating at home. Cummings explained that he needed his parents' help to take care of his child.
However, British media have raised additional suspicions regarding Cummings' whereabouts. Allegations include that he returned to London and then went back to Durham, and that he wandered around Barnard Castle, located 40 km from Durham.
Despite continued questioning from the opposition and the media, Prime Minister Johnson has defended Cummings. At a regular press conference, he stated, "Cummings simply followed the instincts of every parent," and "He acted responsibly and legally with integrity in every aspect."
Cummings is known as Johnson's closest aide and the mastermind behind the behind-the-scenes strategy during Brexit (the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (EU)).
The backlash within the UK over Johnson's decision to protect Cummings is significant. Many officials have already resigned for failing to comply with lockdown orders. For example, Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College, known for reversing the UK's COVID-19 response policy by 180 degrees through his report, resigned as a political advisor after it was revealed he invited his lover to his home. Additionally, Scotland's Chief Medical Officer also expressed his intention to resign due to visiting a holiday home.
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