Dominic Cummings: Key career moments from the PM's right-hand man

13 November 2020, 18:14 | Updated: 13 November 2020, 18:54

Dominic Cummings resigned with immediate effect on Friday
Dominic Cummings resigned with immediate effect on Friday. Picture: PA
Rachael Kennedy

By Rachael Kennedy

Dominic Cummings has become one of the most controversial names in modern British politics, meaning his sudden resignation is just the latest of his headline-worthy moves.

As the chief adviser to the prime minister, Mr Cummings was neither a member of parliament nor an electee - despite receiving the level of press coverage an average politician may expect.

He was at times known for his idiosyncratic wardrobe and his dislike for journalists, but the Eurosceptic's name was firmly placed on the map when he masterminded the Vote Leave campaign.

But Mr Cummings is now leaving Downing Street for the final time on Friday after quitting with immediate effect.

So - here are some of the biggest moments that have defined his career.

Barnard Castle

Back in May, it was revealed Mr Cummings had broken lockdown rules at the height of the pandemic to drive hundreds of miles from London to Durham.

Firstly, the chief adviser said he had made the journey to his parents' residence to ensure childcare was in place for his four-year-old son.

Dominic Cummings: legal rules around lockdown 'did not cover his circumstances'

He then made another hugely-contested trip to Barnard Castle, which he claims was to test his eyesight while recovering from COVID-19.

The entire saga resulted in Mr Cummings, himself, holding a solo press conference - a move practically unheard of for a civil servant - and in which he recounted his journey, insisting there was no wrongdoing.

SAGE meetings

Also during the height of the first wave, Mr Cummings was reported to have attended meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which is advising the government on its coronavirus response.

A number of members raised concerns about its unexpected attendee due to the group's role as an independent body of advisers.

READ MORE: Dominic Cummings quits Downing Street

Playing down these concerns, a Downing Street spokesperson said at the time: "It is factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate to imply [SAGE] advice is affected by government advisers listening to discussions.

"It is entirely right that No.10 advisers attend to better understand the scientific debate and the decisions that need to be taken."

Dominic Cummings left No.10 for the last time on Friday
Dominic Cummings left No.10 for the last time on Friday. Picture: PA

Vote Leave

Mr Cummings was the campaign director for Vote Leave, the official pro-Brexit operation - and it was his idea for the infamous Brexit bus that will go down in history.

Emblazoned on the side of the red coach was the claim that the UK would be able to give £350m to the NHS every week after departing from the European Union.

This claim was believed to be a big driving factor in the campaign's success, despite it eventually being proven to be incorrect.

READ MORE: Tim Montgomerie: 'Every Dominic Cummings relationship doesn't end well and doesn't end quietly'

The bus stirred up controversy - especially when its claim was proven to be incorrect
The bus stirred up controversy - especially when its claim was proven to be incorrect. Picture: PA

Sonia Khan sacking

On Friday, a special adviser to former chancellor Sajid Javid who was sacked by Mr Cummings without Mr Javid's knowledge, was reported to have been given a five-figure payout by the government.

Sonia Khan had been pursuing an employment tribunal claim since her dismissal last year, which saw her escorted from No.10 by police.

It was due to be heard in court in the next few weeks and would have seen Mr Cummings face questions about his conduct; however, the payout has now put a stop to this.

READ MORE: Former special adviser tells LBC 'writing has been on the wall for a while' for Cummings

Sonia Khan (right) was sacked by Dominic Cummings last year
Sonia Khan (right) was sacked by Dominic Cummings last year. Picture: PA

Contempt of parliament

Mr Cummings was due to face a parliamentary committee to answer questions amid an inquiry into fake news during the EU referendum campaign - but he refused to show up.

He was found in contempt of parliament as a result, following which committee chair Damian Collins said the no-show revealed a "total disregard" for authority.

READ MORE: 'Not before time': MPs react to departure of Dominic Cummings

In a blog post, meanwhile, Mr Cummings said he had told Mr Collins to "get lost" after receiving his summons, but insisted he was still willing to appear.

"My offer to give evidence to MPs remains open. As does my reasonable demand that ALL OF US ARE UNDER OATH TO TELL THE TRUTH. I hope they take it up but am not hopeful," he wrote.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A Qatar Airways flight from Manchester was forced to divert earlier this evening

UK flight bound for Doha forced to turn back after Iran launches missiles at US air base in Qatar

Sir Keir Starmer will fly to the Hague today for crunch meetings against a backdrop of global volatility in the Middle East and Ukraine.

UK and NATO allies to include 'money spent on tackling small boats' to boost defence spending in bid to appease Trump

The

Thousands raised after family die in motorway crash - daughter, 8, is only survivor

Kate Shemirani, conspiracy theorist, anti-vaxxer and former nurse

Daughter of notorious conspiracy theorist died of cancer after 'falling for mother's theories', her brothers say

Iran has launched an attack on a US military base.

Trump calls for 'peace & harmony' in the Middle East as he brands Iran's attack on US air base a 'very weak response'

Emma Raducanu during a practice session during Eastbourne Open, where she is currently competing

Raducanu says Wimbledon 'did amazing job' after stalker tried to buy match tickets

Large fire engulfs the abandoned Hotspur Press mill building near Oxford Road in Central Manchester. Credit Milo Chandler/Alamy Live News

Major fire in Manchester city centre causes serious disruption

Notorious criminal John 'Goldfinger' Palmer was murdered at his home in Brentwood in Essex in 2015. His killer has never been found

Who killed John 'Goldfinger' Palmer? Police make fresh appeal 10 years after his death

An RAF flight has left Israel carrying 63 UK nationals and their dependents, as the UK government begins evacuating British citizens from the country amid ongoing attacks between Iran and Israel.

First RAF flight evacuates 63 Britons from Israel as Lammy confirms one UK national injured in Iran missile attacks

Moment Israel blows up the front gate of Iran's notorious Evin prison

Israel blow's gates of Iran's notorious Evin Prison where many political prisoners are held

The DLR could be heading further south east of the Thames - not just the River Lea

Every railway line extension in London: Sadiq Khan's Thamesmead DLR ambition gets to next stage

Iranian protesters chant slogans and one holds a poster with a vampire-like illustration of US President Donald Trump in Revolution Square to protest US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran

LIVE: Trump breaks silence as Iran launches strike on US military base in Qatar

British Airways had stopped some flights to the Middle East over the weekend

UK flights restored to Dubai and Qatar

NATO says alliance's new defence investment plan will be 5% of GDP to ensure security and defence.

NATO to hike defence spending to 5% of GDP in major security push as chief warns Iran on developing nuclear weapon

Former Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer.

Veteran news presenter Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed with ‘advanced’ stage 4 prostate cancer

Dozens of bodies have been recovered from the Balearic Islands, including Majorca, this year.

Holiday horror as five bodies with shackled hands and feet wash up on beach at tourist hotspot