Dominic Cummings's account of Durham trip was 'exhaustive and verifiable', Michael Gove insists

Michael Gove has defended Dominic Cummings' account of his journey to Durham during lockdown as "exhaustive, detailed and verifiable", describing him as "a man of honour and integrity".

The Cabinet Office Minister is the latest high-profile figure to back Boris Johnson's chief adviser over the row, which has prompted calls for his resignation.

Mr Cummings, who gave an extensive statement about his actions during an unprecedented press conference on Monday, remains under fire over allegations he breached coronavirus restrictions by driving 260 miles to Durham during the lockdown. The adviser, whose wife had suspected Covid-19 symptoms at the time, also admitted driving to a town 25 miles away, Barnard Castle, to "test his eyesight" before driving back to London.

Dominic Cumings appeared outside Downing Street to give a statement to assembled media yesterday (PA)

Mr Gove told BBC Breakfast: "I think Dominic completely understands the sense of concern people felt as the story broke.

"I think the account he gave yesterday was exhaustive, it was detailed, it was verifiable. I think people will make their own mind up as they listened to Dominic's account.

"I think most people will understand he was under pressure, and sought to put the health of his wife and son first, and took care to ensure they as a family unit were not in danger of infecting other people."

The Cabinet Office minister also admitted that he only found out Mr Cummings had made a journey to Durham when the story was revealed through the media on Friday.

He said: "When I read the story I was convinced there would be an explanation from Dominic, because I know he is a man of honour and integrity."

Mr Cummings asserted that he drove 25 miles to Barnard Castle from his parents' home in order to test his eyesight (PA)

Further defending the senior Government aide, Mr Gove insisted Mr Cummings did not engage "in the flouting of social distancing rules".

He said: "People can then form their own judgment about whether or not what they thought he did was wise. My own view is that it is entirely reasonable.

"The allegation from some was he was heedlessly and recklessly putting other people in danger, I think if we look at the whole story we can see that was not the case."

Mr Gove summarised his thoughts to radio show LBC, saying that "fair-minded people will understand that [Dominic Cummings] acted in a way that was designed to reduce the risk of any infection spreading, whilst also protecting his family".

However, during an appearance on Sky News, the Cabinet Office minister did accept that an earlier explanation of Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham would have led to less "confusion" over the course of events.

He said: "I think it is probably right that, if Dominic had given a full explanation of these events earlier, then some of the confusion that has arisen might not have arisen."

Different concerns over the handling of the Cummings furore by Downing Street were aired by former Conservative leader Sir Michael Howard.

The politician appeared after Mr Gove on BBC Breakfast and admitted he was "disappointed" by Boris Johnson's explanation of his aide's situation over the weekend.

An earlier explanation of Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham would have led to less "confusion" about what happened, Michael Howard said (Lucy Young/Rex)

He said: "As Michael Gove said on your programme earlier, everyone will make up their own minds. I do think that he gave a reasonable explanation.

"To be honest I was a bit disappointed by what the Prime Minister said on Sunday, because I thought that people really needed a full explanation and answers to all of the questions that had been raised.

"But I think they got that explanation yesterday, I think Dominic Cummings answered questions for more than an hour, it was a pretty rigorous cross examination."

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