UK govt struggles to shift focus from top aide

The UK Prime Minister's top aide, Dominic Cummings, was seen leaving his London home on Monday amidst a continuing controversy following reports that he violated the coronavirus lockdown rules.

Cummings made a 250 mile (400 km) cross-country trip to his parents’ house in March while he was infected with the virus.

He has faced backlash from fellow ministers and the public after making the trip while the government imposed a lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus, telling people to stay home and not visit anyone outside their household.

Cummings said he was seeking to ensure his 4-year-old son would be cared for if he and his wife both became ill.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his aide saying Cummings "followed the instincts of every father and every parent and I do not mark him down for that."

Speaking to British broadcaster Sky News UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson on Monday also defended Cummings.

Williamson said that "if he's made it clear to the Prime Minister that he didn't break the law, I absolutely believe that assurance".

The UK government is set to hold a cabinet meeting later on Monday.