Risky leader in today's @thetimes, backing #cummings.
But is it being too trusting?
It says it is not disputed that Cummings drove up north because his wife was showing symptoms and he was fearful of contracting the virus
(1/?)

I think it's generally agreed that the drive took place on March 30. By which time, Cummings himself was already "self-isolating" after showing symptoms over the weekend. As @JasonGroves1 tweeted that very morning
(2/?)

Other news outlets, including @theguardian reported the story and said the family was believed to be at home in London. Until last week, no one in govt or from No 10 sought to counter that misinformation.

So he was in contact with No 10 and had "mild symptoms" before the journey on March 30. So Johnson must have known exactly where he was. Even if the Guardian didn't.

But then we come to his wife's account of Cummings's covid experience...
(4/?)

According to her, Cummings rushed home to her after she was sick. And 24 hours later was pole-axed. Bedbound for 10 days. No mild symptoms. No slow build-up.
When did he do the rushing home? On the 27th when he was seen darting through Downing St after Johnson tested positive?

If it was that day, the collapse would have been on the 28th.
Or did he dash home on the 30th, bundle wife and son in car, zoom up to Durham and then do the collapsing?
But, hang on, he'd already had two days of "mild symptoms" by then.
(6/?)

Mary's account of his recovery further adds to the confusion. She's told us he was in bed for ten days, barely able to breath. After five or six days they were thinking he might have to go to hospital.
(7/?)

But then she says that just as he was getting better, Boris went into hospital.
Boris went into hospital on April 5.
The dates just don't add up.
(8/9)

However you cut and slice these accounts, one thing is for sure: Cummings had #covid when he made that journey. He didn't *think* he might get it. He had it. And knew it.
Whether he stuck by the letter of the guidelines or not. He put others at risk.