Two more Tory MPs break cover over Cummings
David Simmonds, the MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, said in an email to a constituent that he believed Mr Cummings should resign.
“Whilst the facts of Mr Cummings’ situation are disputed and there are ongoing investigations, it is important in my view not to engage in trial by media,” Mr Simmonds said.
“However, I have conveyed the strength of feeling locally to relevant colleagues, and my own view, through the appropriate channels, that Mr Cummings should step down.
“I would of course welcome an independent investigation to establish the facts, something which any constituent finding themselves in difficulty would be entitled to ask for.”
Meanwhile, Sir David Amess, the MP for Southend West, also called for the adviser to step aside in a statement on his website.
He said there should be “immediate action” against Mr Cummings and argued the PM’s senior adviser should be “suspended from his office whilst a full and thorough independent investigation is held.”
“Since I was first elected to parliament in 1983 there have been controversies about any number of special advisers, but none quite like the present controversy” Sir David said.
He added: “I am only too well aware of the enormous sacrifices which we have all been asked to make.
“The full efforts of our nation, and most certainly our government, should be focussed on ensuring that we get through this crisis as quickly as we possibly can.
“The present controversy is a complete distraction from those efforts, and I am totally dissatisfied with the way in which the issue is being handled.”
