Boris Johnson gags medical experts to stop them discussing Dominic Cummings row

Boris Johnson has gagged his medical experts to prevent them revealing whether they believe Dominic Cummings’ lockdown-breach has damaged the fight against coronavirus.

Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance – in their first appearance since the controversy broke – were expected to give their opinions on the likely damage to the public health guidelines.

But the prime minister stopped them answering questions, claiming: “It is very important that our advisers are protected from being dragged into political controversy.”

The extraordinary ban came hours after Durham Police made clear their belief that Mr Cummings did commit an offence on his day trip to Barnard Castle, after leaving London for Durham.

The verdict has reignited the furore over Mr Johnson’s chief aide – even as he told the daily briefing that he would now “draw a line under the matter”.

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