The Cummings Effect - are people rebelling?

If Cummings had only thought to say that he was just following the example set by Prince Charles he might have avoided all this fuss because let’s face it, there definitely is one law for us at our end of the social spectrum and something very different for members of the elite. This will never change unfortunately until we do something about it.

AGAA4 The problem is the arrogance and contempt both Cummings and Johnson have exhibited towards those who are not in their 'echelon' i.e. over 60 million people, by not only not only failing to comply with their own guidelines but giving risible 'explanations' as full of holes as a colander. Yes, of course we don't have to behave as irresponsibly as Johnson and his puppet master, but we do have to question them very roundly and hold them to account. It has definitely made many people think they have extra leeway and that, too, endangers all of us - and, ultimately, will extend the period of high risk. What is almost as worrying is the BBC's removal of Emily Maitliss for making a straightforward statement about the state of the nation's feelings on the matter - underlining that Aunty is far from independent and impartial. This government already has blood on its hands for wishing on us (through their inaction and negligence in the early stages - and their disorganisation and irresponsibility, now) the highest death toll in Europe. You don't like comparisons, Johnson? Can't wait for Keir Starmer to confront you again.

Stephen Kinnock was given a warning by police. Not so Cummings. ‘Another MP’ is too amorphous to be worthy of comment.

There is no ‘baying mob’ and no ‘witch hunt’ just other MPs (I will name them if you wish), senior church figures and us, the general public asking for answers.

I think many people broke the lockdown rules for their own reasons but none have been harassed like this man

This man seems to have made an awful lot of enemies if you ask me...

Houndi, I'm gobsmacked, how do you know this?

I share your amazement, Jess20! He hasn't even got a sister called Linda

I think that Houndi is at the end of a series of Chinese whispers. There is a suggested motive for his visit, but not what Houndi is relaying..

It's not a blame game but may make people more careful if they realise that they will need to quarantine for 14 days. So hopefully people shopping will become more considerate to others and give space, and also in queues. . No one wants to have to stay at home again in lockdown for 14 days if they can help it. And besides, if you are worried that someone passing you in a queue, or too close to you in the shop, they will not be able to pass on your details as they wouldn't know who you were, and therefore you will not be called.

If VC had not done this in the first place then the media could not have 'hounded' him for it could they??? Its his own fault.

Maybe jess20- but he didnt actually say that, did he? He pretended it was to 'check his eyesight'- a quick sit in his car outside checking it as they do in the driving test without driving off would have checked his eyesight!- the mans a complete arrogant idiot!- and if PM is backing him still,he should be made to go too!

How dare he break the rules when we are all trying to comply?? His arrogance knows no bounds.

I hope that most people can make their own decisions about whether it is safe for them to travel. Personally, I don't think DC has been treated fairly by the media, whatever he has done, I think this was a personal vendetta by the media to try to remove DC from office. The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a lot of good in people and I think we should focus on that. Sadly, it has also revealed a thread of mean and vindictive people, and this worries me more.

It's aparently not DCs sister but another woman of the same name.

I don’t agree with what Dominic Cummings did and don’t particularly care for what I’ve seen of him, but that’s not going to influence what I do. Stephen Kinnock drove to Wales to say Happy birthday to his father, another Labour MP went to a funeral with 100 mourners, and another MP went out for a meal with his family. These were all commented on, rightly, and then we heard no more. The baying mob screaming obscenities and the photographers outside Dominic Cummings‘ house had forgotten all about and didn’t care about social distancing! This is a witch hunt and is very ugly and should frighten us all.

We can be queuing outside a store more than 15 minutes- if someone comes to stand nearer to me than the tapes show (and there were many doing that yesterday, some in between them not actually on them!) Then i may be the one deemed to be close to someone and get blamed / or fined for it?!even though i myself have done nothing wrong??? I don't blinking think so!!!!

It was probably DC's idea of herd immunity. Perhaps this was his way of getting back to it, by showing the isolation rule is not the best way of handling the virus. His idea has to be the best.

Obviously not referring to those front line workers who put their lives at risk every day. Just those who think BBQs and group parties are ok to have.

We aren't socialising but I am going to let my Mum drive now to see if she is safe. I thought she could do a 50 mile trip to see whether she can find her way back. Honestly, I get the fact that they might have thought it better to isolate near the wider family so there was plenty of people who would understand their autistic child in the event they were needed but to drive to see about the eyesight on his wife's Birthday...pull the other one!

His actions have really angered me .
We provide respite for our adult foster daughters 3children to give them a break away from their roles as young carers -we haven’t been able to do that .
One of my adopted daughters who is severely disabled has been in lockdown in her residential and we haven’t been able to see her much to her distress .
My 87 year old mother is isolating over 200 miles away and we have had to accept that if she does become ill we won’t be able to see her .
We have taken care to obey every rule because we are carers for another disabled adult foster daughter who lives with us .
Now he has the arrogance to expect us plebs to meekly accept his right to do what he wants while expecting us not to question his actions ! FUMMING !

Yes Cumming was wrong but so are the hoards of other general public that didn't follow rules.
Will it make me break them? No it is up to me to keep me and mine as safe as possible

Just like lemmings, they follow others without thinking.
What's good enough for cummings is good enough for them they think. Instead of that was stupid I'm not doing that. It was wrong. Perhaps if he had to resign other people might get the message.

The reason he went to Barnard Castle is because his sister Linda Cummings firm has just been given the contract by the government for track and tracing and their operational headquarters is Barnard Castle.

Houndi, I'm gobsmacked, how do you know this?

Most ((here)) even, wish my auto correct wouldn't but in so quickly ...

Blowed if l know what the "rules" are anymore.....
Common sense rules my day, and l don't feel l have to copy other idiots/s.

Well i havent breached guidelines but when ive had to go out (for food if i couldnt get online slot) or to have my regular blood test done- and other day i went to pick up some cleaning materials in a 'safe- guarded' store- BUT if others have,through no fault of my own- dodged past me nearby,or stood too close to me in a queue,or passed too near in a hospital corridor etc and i was 'getting the blame' of being the one breaking the rule then i would be VERY ANGRY!!

Most hear sticking to the rules .
We only have a few near by neighbours as live in a gated tourist attraction, and fortunate enough to have many waterway and park areas to safely wander as closed to visitors due to the virus, in fact it's lovely and peaceful in the public areas we're enjoying the different atmosphere in lockdown

I'm still keeping the rules for myself and my family, in fact I'm prepared to keep them longer than needed if I don't feel it's safe to venture out to the towns etc I won't.
IMO using common sense is needed as I feel strongly
this sadly isn't going anywhere overnight!!
Stay safe x

After reading your post MaizieD, I so agree that Brexit should not be brought into this! It has nothing to do with this current debacle. It makes me angry for anyone to think this is true. “I” am a Remainer but I have put this on the back burner - there is enough to worry about.