Melton and Rutland MP Alicia Kearns issues a statement about government adviser Dominic Cummings

Rutland's MP has urged people to stick to the coronavirus restrictions amid fears Dominic Cummings has undermined the government's public health message.

Alicia Kearns published a post on her Facebook page yesterday (Monday, May 25) to address Mr Cummings' trip to County Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.

She said: "I am concerned that confidence in the guidelines may have been threatened, and I urge everyone to remain steadfast in their commitment to them."

The MP's statement followed a press conference at 10 Downing Street where Mr Cummings sought to defend his decision to travel 260 miles to self-isolate at a property on his father's estate.

The public also heard Mr Cummings and his family travelled to Barnard Castle so that he could test his eye sight before making their return journey to London the following day.

Mrs Kearns said she has asked for more details on Mr Cummings' travel but Tweeted that she does not believe anyone was put at risk.

In her statement, Mrs Kearns said: "On March 24 at the daily televised press conference, in response to a question about what parents should do if they are both sick with Covid-19, deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries OBE advised the public that “clearly if you have adults that are unable to look after a small child, that is an exceptional circumstance.” This was, I understand, a week before Dominic Cummings travelled to County Durham.

"Dominic Cummings’ explanation for undertaking his lockdown in County Durham is the welfare of his young son, who I understand has a medical condition. Whilst I have sympathy with this, and it appears to be consistent with Dr Harries’ statement, I accept your criticism that this is at the very limit of what the guidelines permitted.

"I do not have the information I have requested as yet, and as such questions remain unanswered. I have urgently called for these facts to be provided and for Dominic Cummings to provide an explanation.

"The facts once established may show that Dominic Cummings travelled to County Durham but stayed isolated in his property for the 14-day period and did not interact with others unless care was needed for his son by his family. However, should the facts, when investigated, show that lockdown rules were broken then I have made representations as to what should happen.

"I have been in ongoing discussions with the Conservative Party, which is the correct mechanism for MPs to express our concerns and I have requested the information needed. Please be sure that I have conveyed your feelings, and my own, to them. The Party is clear on my views. We cannot have one rule for some, and another for the rest of us.

"As a result of these events, I am concerned that confidence in the guidelines may have been threatened, and I urge everyone to remain steadfast in their commitment to them.

"This weekend has been an unhelpful distraction from the genuine needs of constituents during this pandemic, who write to me daily asking for assistance with deeply difficult personal circumstances. I had not spoken publicly on this as yet, as my constituents deserved to be the first to hear my views.

We must ascertain whether any rules have been broken, but I will continue my work, undistracted by this, of supporting our NHS and our communities here."

The statement received a mixed reaction from constituents on social media. Some praised Mrs Kearns for a "balanced and refreshing statement" while other remain angry at Mr Cummings' for his actions.

What do you think about Dominic Cummings' explanation of his travel during lockdown. Email smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk