Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Investigation launched into UK Civil Service tweet about Johnson's 'offensive' defence of Cummings

The UK Prime Minister is being criticised for defending his senior adviser’s actions in driving 260 miles during lockdown.

EYzGr3aWoAALlK0 Screenshot / Twitter Screenshot / Twitter / Twitter

THE UK GOVERNMENT has launched an investigation into a critical tweet sent from the UK Civil Service official account minutes after Boris Johnson defended his senior aide Dominic Cummings over a 260-mile trip he made during lockdown.

Calls have been made throughout the day for Cummings to resign after he drove from London to Durham at the end of March with his wife and child after his spouse developed coronavirus symptoms. 

These calls for his resignation have only intensified since further allegations emerged that he made a second trip to Durham in mid April, and was also seen at Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday – which is located 30 miles from Durham.

At a press conference this evening, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he was satisfied Cummings acted “legally, responsibly, and with integrity”; claimed some allegations were “palpably false” but didn’t clarify which ones; and said no further action would be taken against his senior adviser. 

Minutes after the conference ended, a barrage of criticism was focused on Johnson for his defence of Cummings’ actions – including a tweet from the official Twitter account for the UK Civil Service, which stated:

Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?

The tweet was then deleted.

Later, the Cabinet Office said that “an unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening. The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Gráinne Ní Aodha
View 54 comments
Close
54 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds