Labour calls for 'urgent inquiry' into allegations Dominic Cummings broke coronavirus lockdown rules

The Labour Party has called for an "urgent inquiry" into the actions of Dominic Cummings, after it emerged he travelled 260 miles from his London home during lockdown.

Mr Cummings is facing calls to resign, with Downing Street accused of a "cover up", after it emerged he travelled to Durham with his family, days after Boris Johnson urged people not to travel apart from for "essential" reasons.

But Downing Street has insisted it was "essential" for Mr Cummings - whose wife had suspected coronavirus - to travel to ensure his child was looked after, with the adviser believing he behaved "reasonably and legally".

Following in the steps of the Scottish National Party, Labour has written to the head of the civil service to call for an investigation into the matter.

In a letter to Sir Mark Sedwill, shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said: “The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort, including being away from family in times of need.

“It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the public that its most senior figures have been adhering to the same rules as everyone else.”

Labour claims Number 10’s explanations for Mr Cummings’s behaviour “raised more questions than they answer” including when the Prime Minister was made aware of his decision to travel from London to Durham during lockdown.

The letter adds: “The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for the Prime Minister’s most senior adviser.”

It comes after the SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford wrote to Sir Mark earlier on Saturday.

Mr Blackford has written to Sir Mark and Boris Johnson with several questions, including when he found out about the trip and what role the UK Goverment played in “keeping the public in the dark for eight weeks”.

Speaking after the daily press briefing in Downing Street, Mr Blackford said: “He ought to have resigned by now, but it’s quite clear after that performance today by the Transport Secretary that there is no real defence and that Dominic Cummings should now be sacked by the Prime Minister.”

He added: “We should have been hearing from the Prime Minister today…the Prime Minister needs to come clean about when he knew about this, whether or not he authorised this, why he hasn’t taken his responsibilities in asking Dominic Cummings to resign? But, failing that, making sure that he sacks him.

"Because this man has undermined the public messaging that the UK Government has sought to deliver."

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