RYEDALE MP Kevin Hollinrake has said Dominic Cummings should be "offered the opportunity to state his case in a proper investigation."

Pressure is continuing to mount on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sack, Mr Cummings, his chief aide, after it emerged he had travelled 260 miles to his parents’ home during lockdown while displaying coronavirus symptoms.

Last night, it emerged that a fresh witness account put Cummings in Durham in April 19 – following his earlier March 31 trip – and that he also visited a town 30 miles away while he was there.

Posting on Facebook, Mr Hollinrake said:" I agree that there must be one rule for all. If a constituent had called me and said that they and their partner had both got Covid and could they take their four year old to family, I would have said yes. If they said could revisit the family afterwards, I would have said no. If latter has happened then that’s unacceptable and as a government adviser he should resign. Mr Cummings should, however, be offered the opportunity to state his case in a proper investigation rather being tried by a media lynch mob."

A Downing Street statement yesterday said: “Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for. His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed.”