COLCHESTER MP Will Quince said he understands why people are angry about the Prime Minister’s chief adviser’s trip to Durham during lockdown.

Dominic Cummings addressed a unique press conference on Monday to explain his reasons for travelling to Durham to his parents’ estate.

He said he went to stay in a cottage on his father’s farm to be close to family in case both he and his wife became too ill to look after their child after believing they had both contracted Covid-19.

Before going back to London, he said he drove for another half an hour to test his eyesight to see if he could complete the return journey.

Mr Quince said Mr Cummings could have explained himself sooner but defended his actions.

He said: “Whatever you may think of Dominic Cummings, he gave a frank, detailed account of events and answered lots of questions from the media.

“However, I wish he had done so when this story broke so people could hear his version of events and reasoning for his actions.

“These are difficult times and we all take decisions we feel and think are right at the time.

“Dominic Cummings did what he thought was right at the time to protect his child.

“Whether you agree with him or not, he believed, and believes, this was within the guidance and legal.”

However, Mr Quince received a barrage of opposition on Twitter from people who thought Mr Cummnings actions were unacceptable.

Mr Quince said: “I understand why many are angry or disappointed.

“To address this public health crisis, people across the country have had to make sacrifices and difficult decisions – not least being unable to see their families and their friends for months during a difficult period.

“I know that some will not agree with what Dominic Cummings did but we now understand the context and reasons for him doing it.”