After earlier refusing to comment on the Dominic Cummings controversy, Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has now said it was "regretable more consideration was not given to how his actions were perceived".
Mr Seely's full statement reads: “I appreciate that a number of constituents feel strongly on this, and a small number have contacted me. I have passed these views onto colleagues in Westminster. I will be responding to these emails received over the coming days.
“My focus remains on the Island: liaising with a wide range of organisations (including the leadership of the Isle of Wight Council) about the ongoing response to coronavirus, and how best to support residents and businesses; securing Government support for the Island (such as funding for a rail feasibility study); and continuing to handle casework received from constituents.
“We need to collectively respect the rules and the reasons for them. Individuals and families up and down the country are exercising their own judgment on a daily basis. As part of this, people may occasionally err, and sometimes act in a way which others consider inappropriate. In this high-profile case, it is regrettable that more consideration was not given to how it may be perceived.
"If there was persistent ignoring of rules, that is one thing, but in a one-off incident or a simple error of judgement, I would prefer to use a little understanding and a sense of forgiveness. I would do so regardless whether someone was a political opponent or ally.”
After Mr Cummings's evening statement, Mr Seely added: “Dominic Cummings' explanation seemed entirely reasonable, so I hope we can now move on.
"There are significant and important things that we need to focus on. Dominic Cummings' understandable attempts to look after his family is not one of them.
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