DEVIZES MP Danny Kruger has defended the decision by Downing Street aide Dominic Cummings to travel from London to Durham with his sick wife during the coronavirus emergency.

There have been calls for Mr Cummings to resign his position as chief aide to Boris Johnson since the trip was made public.

But Mr Kruger, who worked closely with both Mr Cummings and Boris Johnson before being elected as an MP, took to Twitter today to say: "Dom and Mary's journey was necessary and therefore within rules. What's also necessary is not attacking a man and his family for decisions taken at a time of great stress and worry, the fear of death and concern for a child. This isn't a story for the normal political shitkickery."

But Devizes eco-warrior teenager Joe Brindle replied to say: "Surely if he was in need of care his sister could have travelled to him rather than him travelling hundreds of miles and meeting his elderly parents?

This totally undermines the government's rules and guidelines."

Today No 10 also defended the trip from London to Durham. A spokesman said it was "essential" for Mr Cummings to ensure he had childcare if he also developed Covid-19 symptoms.

The Durham police chief said it was "unwise" for Mr Cummings to travel.

The SNP have called for him to resign, while Labour asked for a "clear explanation" for his actions.

Downing Street said Mr Cummings believed he "behaved reasonably and legally" when he made the 260-mile journey from his London home to Country Durham during the lockdown.

A No 10 spokesman said: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.

"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported.

"His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."

Police said they attended a property in County Durham, after the Guardian and the Daily Mirror newspapers first reported Mr Cummings had been seen near his parents' home in early April.