UK Prime Minister's Closest Aide Faces 'Lockdown Violation' Controversy, Followed by Deputy Minister's Resignation

▲Dominic Cummings, chief advisor to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is under pressure to resign amid allegations of violating self-quarantine by leaving home despite suspected symptoms of COVID-19.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Dominic Cummings, the chief advisor known as the "right-hand man" of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has sparked controversy after reportedly traveling to the countryside instead of self-isolating despite showing suspected symptoms of COVID-19. This controversy has escalated to the point of a deputy minister's resignation.

On the 26th (local time), according to the British daily The Guardian, Douglas Ross, the UK Scotland Minister of State, announced his resignation over the issue involving advisor Cummings.

Earlier, it was reported that at the end of March, when Cummings and his wife showed suspected COVID-19 symptoms, he left London and traveled approximately 400 km to his parents' farm in Durham.

At a press conference held on the 24th, Cummings explained that the decision was made to seek help because there was no one to take care of their young son if both he and his wife became ill. He also claimed that during this process, he did not violate government lockdown measures, including movement restrictions. Cummings stated that he has neither been asked to resign nor is considering resignation in relation to this matter.

Regarding this, Minister Ross said he accepts Cummings' claim that he acted in the best interest of his family.

Minister Ross said, "Although the intention may have been good, I understand that most citizens will not accept Cummings' actions despite government recommendations."

He added, "In my constituency, there are people who could not say their final goodbyes to loved ones because they followed government guidelines, those who could not mourn together, and those who could not visit sick relatives. I cannot say they were wrong and that advisor Cummings was right."

BBC analyzed that since Ross was a supporter of Prime Minister Johnson during the Conservative Party leadership election, his resignation could deal a blow to the current government.

The Guardian pointed out that with more than 20 ruling Conservative Party members demanding the dismissal of advisor Cummings from the Prime Minister, this resignation could deepen the crisis surrounding the government.

However, Prime Minister Johnson still maintains his support for advisor Cummings. Cummings is considered one of Johnson's closest aides, having orchestrated Brexit and the Conservative Party's landslide victory in last year's UK general election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.