A SECOND Thurrock MP has called on top government advisor Dominic Cummings to quit.

Following on from the statement issued earlier today (Tuesday, 26 May) by South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price has added her voice to the growing chorus of appeals for him to resign.

She says: ""I have received a number of representation regarding the behaviour of Dominic Cummings and thought I should state my position.

"The government has been very clear in its message that we have had to Stay Home and Save lives. For some of us that instruction has come at great personal cost. Some people have lost their livelihoods. Some people have lost loved ones and been unable to say goodbye.

"In making real sacrifices in order to obey the government' instructions it is quite understandable that there is anger that Government figures have not done the same. When a government is tainted with a 'do as I say, not as I do' attitude to the public, it loses its moral authority.

I have witnessed with dismay as the Government machine has sought to defend Mr Cummings. In doing so it has endorsed behaviour which is clearly not consistent with what the Government expects each of us as citizens to do.

"At a time when the public is looking to Government for leadership through this dangerous pandemic, this handling has been ill-judged. This is advice I conveyed to the government on Saturday as I believe did a number of MPs.

"Frankly this has been a very embarrassing episode for the Government. To bring this sorry chapter to an end I am afraid Mr Cummings has to go."