Which high-profile figures have been accused of flouting coronavirus lockdown restrictions?

The PM's top aide Dominic Cummings is among those who have found themselves embroiled in rows over rules 
Dominic Cummings, Dr Catherine Calderwood and Robert Jenrick are among the high-profile figures who have found themselves at the centre of rows around lockdown rules
PA

Boris Johnson’s senior aide Dominic Cummings is the latest high-profile figure to face accusations of breaching the Government’s lockdown rules.

Boris Johnson's top adviser travelled almost 300 miles from his London home to County Durham, days after the Prime Minister urged people not to travel unless "essential".

Political leaders have piled pressure on Mr Johnson to sack the 48-year-old strategist for apparently flouting the rules, but Downing Street has so far backed the adviser, insisting he acted "in line" with guidelines.

Mr Cummings is not the first prominent figure to have been embroiled in row over lockdown restrictions amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

Here are some of the other high-profile people who have found themselves in the spotlight for alleged breaches of measures.

Professor Neil Ferguson

The scientist, whose research helped usher in the lockdown, resigned from his role as a key Government adviser after admitting that he had "undermined" social distancing rules by reportedly meeting his married lover at his home.

Scotland Yard criticised his behaviour as “plainly disappointing” but ruled out issuing a fine because he “has taken responsibility” after resigning as a key Government adviser in the coronavirus response.

Professor Ferguson told the Daily Telegraph: “I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic.

"The Government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us.”

Professor Neil Ferguson avoided receiving a fine for breaking the lockdown 
UnHerd

Dr Catherine Calderwood

Scotland’s chief medical officer resigned in April after twice breaking lockdown restrictions in order to visit her second home, which was located more than an hour away from her main residence in Edinburgh.

She was visited by police following the incident who “spoke to her about her action, reiterated crucial advice and issued a warning about her future conduct.”

Despite Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backing Dr Calderwood to remain in her position, she ultimately decided to relinquish her role so as not to be a “distraction” from the Government’s social-distancing message.

Robert Jenrick

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary was forced to explain himself after travelling more than an hour to visit his parents despite warning people to remain at home.

Mr Jenrick was also criticised for travelling 150 miles from his London property to his Herefordshire home from where he travelled to his parents in Shropshire.

However, he defended his actions, saying he went to deliver food and medicine to his isolating parents.

Robert Jenrick
via REUTERS

Stephen Kinnock

The MP for Aberavon in South Wales was publicly shamed by police after travelling to London to celebrate his father’s birthday.

"Dad turned 78. Incredible, but true. [We] took a couple of chairs and sat in their garden for a socially distanced celebration," Mr Kinnock tweeted.

South Wales Police replied: “We know celebrating your Dad’s birthday is a lovely thing to do, however this is not essential travel. We all have our part to play in this, we urge you to comply with (lockdown) restrictions, they are in place to keep us all safe. Thank you.”

Dr David Clark

The New Zealand politician branded himself an “idiot” for driving his family 12.4 miles to the beach on the first weekend of the country’s national stay-at-home measures.

That incident came a week after he was photographed going for a mountain bike ride 1.2 miles away from his family home in Dunedin on New Zealand’s south island.

Although the health minister offered his resignation to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, she instead opted to demote him to the bottom of the Government’s Cabinet rankings.

Kyle Walker

It is not just politicians who have found themselves in hot water over social distancing breaches as Kyle Walker was forced to apologise in April after it was widely reported he held a party at his Cheshire home in a blatant violation of the nation’s lockdown measures.

The club has promised the Manchester City and England full-back will also be subject to an “internal disciplinary procedure”.

Kyle Walker held a party at his home in Chesire
Getty Images

Marcos Rojo

The Manchester United defender was recently filmed appearing to flout Argentina’s coronavirus lockdown rules.

The 30-year-old, on loan at Estudiantes, was seen playing cards and smoking with friends in his homeland in a video on Instagram.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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