Tory council leaders in Harrogate and North Yorkshire have their say on Dominic Cummings uproar

The area's Conservative council leaders are split over Dominic Cummings' lockdown trip to Durham.
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And the controversy surrounding the No 10 adviser's journey continues to swirl despite Downing Street saying the issue is now "closed."

While many Tories have swung behind Mr Cummings, there has been outrage in some parts of the party, with at least 44 MPs, including Harrogate's Andrew Jones, calling for him to be sacked.

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This division has been reflected on a regional level with Coun Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, saying he should be sacked, while Coun Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, expressed some sympathy for Mr Cummings.

Dominic Cummings.Dominic Cummings.
Dominic Cummings.

"I am sure in similar circumstances I would have considered doing the best thing for my family," Coun Les said.

"But whether he should lose his job or not, that is a matter for the Prime Minister."

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Mr Cummings has insisted he acted within the law over his 260-mile journey from London to Durham to isolate with his wife.

He also defended his 50-mile round-trip to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight - a twist in the tale which has dominated the headlines.

Coun Cooper said he is "fed up" of the saga and pleaded with people to focus on the easing of lockdown restrictions.

"We all know what we think of him. We know what he thinks of us. I think he should go. But he isn’t going," he said.

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"It is important what such an influential person does but it’s been at the top of all the bulletins for days.

"Please can we talk about something different now – like how we can all get back to our normal lives – or a semblance thereof - as soon as possible?

"I want to know when I can see friends and family again. I want to know when I can work in my workplace, shop in local shops, go to the gym, the pub, a restaurant.

"I know all I need to know about Dominic Cummings."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter