Dominic Cummings news - live: 'Livid' Conservative MPs press Boris Johnson for inquiry, as coronavirus advisers criticise defence of top aide

Boris Johnson has defended Dominic Cummings following reports his chief adviser made two 260-mile trips to Durham during the coronavirus lockdown – while telling the rest of the UK to stay at home.

The prime minister said Mr Cummings had acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity" by making the journey with his wife and four-year-old child, insisting that they had the "overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives."

However several Tory MPs broke ranks to call for the aide's resignation, while three scientific advisers claimed Mr Johnson had effectively "trashed" public trust in the coronavirus restrictions. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described Mr Johnson's decision as "an insult to the sacrifices made by the British people".