Dominic Cummings had not ‘followed the ‘spirit’ of the law, says former PM

The former Prime Minister Theresa May said Dominic Cummings had not “followed the spirit” of the law over lockdown.

May said in a message to her constituents, I can “well understand the anger” as many people had followed the guidance.

She said, “What this matter has shown is that there was a discrepancy between the simple messages given by the government and the details of the legislation passed by Parliament.

“In these circumstances I do not feel that Mr Cummings followed the spirit of the guidance.

“I can well understand the anger of those who have been abiding by the spirit of the guidance given by the government and expect others to do so.”

But in the message, seen by the PA news agency, May said she was concerned over the focus on Cummings was “detracting from the most important task” of dealing with coronavirus.

She added, “One of my biggest concerns has been that the ongoing focus on Mr Cummings has been detracting from the most important task, which is dealing with coronavirus and starting the process of recovery and easing lockdown.”