The leader of Monmouthshire council has today said he will respect the Prime Minister’s judgement on whether Dominic Cummings should be sacked following his controversial trip to Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.

Dominic Cummings, who made a 260-mile journey from London to Durham back in April, said he did so because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his family’s safety.

But critics say he should resign for breaking the government’s lockdown rules.

When asked, Monmouthshire council’s leader Cllr Peter Fox did not offer his thoughts on whether Boris Johnson’s chief advisor should be sacked.

He said: “Clearly that is a decision that rests with the Prime Minister and I will respect his judgment in these matters.”

Cllr Fox said he had received a couple of messages about the Dominic Cummings story over the last couple of days, with residents airing concerns about his actions.

He said: “What I am getting though, on a local level, is an increasing number of messages looking for a greater easing of the lock down here in Wales.

“Whilst not universal I find more residents who are desperate to meet their families and loved ones.

“Whilst the ability to visit garden centres, takeaways, DIY stores etc is welcome in Wales what most people crave is to see their family and friends again in a safe and responsible manner.”

Cllr Fox said he was supportive of the general approach to lockdown in Wales but said the long-term effects of lockdown are starting to have a big effect on people’s wellbeing.

The leader of the Conservative-led Monmouthshire council said he did not believe the actions of other senior figures, from different political backgrounds, also accused of breaking the lockdown rules had led to a widespread disregard for the rules.

“We are relieved that here in Monmouthshire the number of people contracting the disease and the death rate has fallen, this has been helped by the responsible attitude taken by our residents and I’m really thankful for their tremendous efforts.