Blackpool's grassroots Conservatives have their say on Dominic Cummings row

Although not all condemn his reasons for travelling to Durham they say his actions, which have sparked a political row, were wrong.

Coun Tony Williams, leader of the Conservatives on Blackpool Council, said there had been breaches by politicians from other parties as well.

He added: “The lockdown rules are being broken in every town and street. The difference being you can’t give instructions to others then do differently yourself if you are a part of government.

“Under the circumstances I think he should resign and or be fined heavily.”

Coun Michele Scott said Mr Cummings “should not have acted as he did, given the rules which were in place at the time, whatever justification he has given some weeks after the event.”

She said people who had strictly maintained lockdown rules would be “really angry at the reasons and excuses which have been put forward”.

Coun Scott added she hoped the actions of Mr Cummings would not tempt members of the public to do the same “which could inevitably lead to a greater risk of spreading the virus.”

Coun Derek Roberts said initially he thought Mr Cummings should be sacked, but understood his dilemma over finding care for his child.

He said: “A lot of people are saying he should resign and I can understand the public’s attitude when they haven’t been able to see their own families.

“There is no need for all this backlash and aggression, but if it goes on then he should resign.”

Coun Rick Scott said: “The decision should be made by those at the top.

“I can see he was putting his family first but going to Barnard Castle just wasn’t plausible.”