Darren Jones presses PM to come clean on Cummings

Boris Johnson wants the country to “move on” from the row over his adviser’s trip to Durham during lockdown

But one Bristol MP did not let him forget the issue at a combative question and answer session as part of the House of Commons’ Liaison Committee.

Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, asked the prime minister to explain which allegations against Dominic Cummings are untrue.

But Johnson evaded the question, despite dozens of Tory MPs now saying that Cummings should resign or be sacked.

The Liaison Committee usually questions the prime minister on policy three time a year. It is made up of Select Committee chairs, with Jones chair of the Business, Environment & Industrial Strategy Select Committee.

Jones: “Earlier in the session you said to my colleagues that the allegations against Mr Cummings were untrue. Could you set out specifically for this committee which allegations specifically were untrue?”

Johnson: “Well, I’ve gone into that before and I have really no, nothing to add on what I have previously said.”

Jones: “You didn’t answer the question today though, prime minister, about which allegations were untrue. Would you like to take this opportunity to do so?”

Johnson: “I’ll tell you why I don’t want to go back into that, Darren, which is as I said I think repeatedly to other distinguished members of this committee, it is my strong belief that although I understand people’s frustrations, people’s indignation with the whole business, believe me I do, I think that what the country wants is for us to be focusing on how to go forward on the test and trace scheme that we are announcing today, on how we are going to  protect their jobs, their livelihoods and how to defeat this virus. And that I think is where the energies of all politicians of all parties should now be directed.”

During his maiden speech in 2017, Darren Jones told the House of Commons that he was proud to be the first Darren ever to be elected as an MP – photo: House of Commons

Other questions from Jones included at what level of unemployment should the government intervene to provide pay or secure work to people once their furlough payments have come to an end.

“Well, we’re going to do everything we can, Darren, to get everybody back into work,” said Johnson.

He also interrupted the prime minister to remind him that many people will have a lack of income from next week, much to the delight of many of those watching the committee.

“Who is this Darren Labour chap?” said Tubbs McGuire. “I LIKE him.”

Responding to an answer about Johnson on universal credit, Jones said: “Prime minister, universal credit is not generous and it’s unfortunate that you don’t have an answer for those in self-employment whose income will be ending this weekend.

“Prime minister, these questions were trying to get an idea of the scope of the government’s ambition for supporting businesses in the economic recovery and I’m afraid that your answers haven’t been particularly instilling of confidence.”

Main photo: Parliament TV

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