South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth has slammed local Conservative MSPs and MPs who have kept quiet during the Dominic Cummings scandal and accused them of showing a ‘lack of leadership’

South Scotland Tory MSPs Michelle Ballantyne and Brian Whittle, as well as constituency MSPs Oliver Mundell, Finlay Carson, John Scott and Rachael Hamilton and MPs Alister Jack, David Mundell and John Lamont have all failed to condemn the actions of Boris Johnson’s senior aide Dominic Cummings, who repeatedly flouted lockdown rules.

Conservative junior minister Douglas Ross MP has today (Tuesday) resigned over Cumming’s actions.

Colin Smyth said: “The complete silence from south Scotland’s Tory MSPs and MPs over the behaviour of Dominic Cummings shows a real lack of local leadership.

“Without a doubt Dominic Cummings should be sacked for his actions during lockdown and Boris Johnson’s handling of the situation has been completely unacceptable.

“What is particularly upsetting for people listening to his statement is that they have followed the lockdown rules, while Dominic Cummings did not and not a single local Tory politician has condemned him.

“Some people have missed the chance to spend final moments with a loved one, some have missed their loved ones’ funerals. Some have had no help with childcare, despite illness. Some people’s sacrifices during this time will leave a lasting trauma.

“Dominic Cummings failed to apologise, and he stands by his decisions which undoubtedly put people’s lives at risk and we can only conclude that local Tory politicians back him. What is even more concerning is his actions and the failure of Tory MPs and MSPs to condemn him show they believes he is above the rules everyone else is following so diligently and that undermines the Governments guidance.

“It is time local Tory politicians take a stand and condemn the actions of Dominic Cummings.”