Carlisle politicians of all colours have made their voices heard over Dominic Cummings who allegedly broke lockdown rules.

The city’s Conservative MP John Stevenson yesterday joined the growing number of voices calling for the Government chief advisor to resign.

Mr Cummings, 48, is said to have flouted Covid-19 regulations by driving 260 miles from London to Durham on two occasions because of childcare issues after his wife showed symptoms of the disease.

The first was in late March and the second was on April 19.

It is also alleged he was seen in Barnard Castle, about 30 miles from Durham on April 12.

This was a a time when people were told to “stay at home” to prevent the spread of the virus.

In a tweet yesterday, Mr Stevenson said: “Carlisle and the country have sacrificed a lot over the last few weeks.

“People in positions of power have added responsibility - Mr Cummings holds such a position.

“Therefore in my view in the interests of the country Mr Cummings should resign.”

He later told the News & Star: “I would say that some of the news coverage of it has been disheartening and the vitriol is unnecessary.

“It can still be challenging but a bit more civilised.

“Nevertheless when you are in power you have a higher level of responsibility, especially when you are helping to formulate policy at this difficult time.”

Conservative John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “I think it is a bit of a stretch that what he was doing was legitimate or sensible.

“I think we are in very difficult times and the big battle is against Covid-19.

“This is an unnecessary distraction.

“I think a lot of people have played the game and I think he was very foolish - we have all made sacrifices and some tremendous sacrifices, it angers me.”

His comments were echoed by fellow Conservative Councillor Nigel Christian who said: “I think he was wrong and I think the Prime Minister should have taken action straight away.”

In a press release the council's Labour group said: “This is a matter of shattered trust. Citizens, quite rightly, feel angry and let down.

“Dominic Cummings must now step down or be sacked and those who have sought to protect him, must reflect on their own lack of judgement, contempt and respect for the welfare of those they are meant to serve.”

“They have sent alarming signals to others, who are tempted to ignore restrictions and whose actions may put other people in danger.”

Labour group leader councillor Colin Glover said: “I’ve missed being able to visit and support members of my family, I’ve not been able to attend funerals and not once did I question government rules.

“They have betrayed the trust of a nation. The prime minister has been negligent in shielding his chief advisor and has shown contempt to everyone in this country, who have made personal sacrifices in trying to do the right thing.”

Chairman of the Labour Group, councillor Jo Ellis-Williams, said: “Boris Johnson’s message to the British public is clear, ‘do as we say not as we do’.”

Deputy group leader councillor Les Tickner added that t"he Prime Minister has let the country down” by supporting Mr Cummings.

Independent city councillor Raymond Tinnion said: “I’m of the opinion that it is one rule for one and one rule for another, everyone has been doing the right thing but it seems someone is above the law.”

The News & Star has asked the county’s other Conservative MPs for their reaction. However, Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson and Penrith and the Border MP Dr Neil Hudson did not respond.