Dominic Cummings has left Downing Street after internal battles over his role as Boris Johnson’s chief adviser.
The BBC understands he will continue to work from home, on issues such as mass coronavirus testing, until the middle of December.
The prime minister is said to want to “clear the air and move on”.
Mr Cummings has been at the heart of a No 10 power struggle, which has also seen communications director Lee Cain leave.
Beth Rigby tweeted: “I am told the PM asked Cain and Cummings to leave today because of their ‘general behaviour.
One insider tells me “the PM was uncomfortable with them being the in building”
Cain is PM’s longest serving advisor. This is a particularly brutal way to exit
As per @Steven_Swinford am told the PM asked Cain and Cummings to leave today because of their ‘general behaviour.
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) November 13, 2020
One insider tells me “the PM was uncomfortable with them being the in building”
Cain is PM’s longest serving advisor. This is a particularly brutal way to exit https://t.co/Bf7RTESBIV
Several Tory MPs have welcomed the pair’s departure as a chance for Mr Johnson to make a fresh start.
The BBC’s Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg said Mr Cummings departure from No 10 had been brought forward given the “upset in the team” in Downing Street, for which she said it had been a “difficult week”.
Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain are long-time colleagues, having worked together on the Leave campaign during the EU referendum.
When Mr Cain’s exit was announced on Wednesday, it prompted rumours that his ally would also step down.
In response, Mr Cummings told the BBC “rumours of me threatening to resign are invented” but said his “position hasn’t changed” since he wrote in January that he wanted to make himself “largely redundant” by the end of 2020.
It is believed Boris Johnson has asked Sir Edward Lister to take on the role of chief of staff for an interim period pending a permanent appointment to the post.
#staged #cummings #pantomime
Twitter is having a storm suggesting the entire over the top flounce was staged, Panto season has started early this year. This storey seems far from over. #staged#cummings#pantomime
Support Independent Journalism Today
Our unwavering dedication is to provide you with unbiased news, diverse perspectives, and insightful opinions. We're on a mission to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions, but we can't do it alone. Labour Heartlands is primarily funded by me, Paul Knaggs, and by the generous contributions of readers like you. Your donations keep us going and help us uphold the principles of independent journalism. Join us in our quest for truth, transparency, and accountability – donate today and be a part of our mission!
Like everyone else, we're facing challenges, and we need your help to stay online and continue providing crucial journalism. Every contribution, no matter how small, goes a long way in helping us thrive. By becoming one of our donors, you become a vital part of our mission to uncover the truth and uphold the values of democracy.
While we maintain our independence from political affiliations, we stand united against corruption, injustice, and the erosion of free speech, truth, and democracy. We believe in the power of accurate information in a democracy, and we consider facts non-negotiable.
Your support, no matter the amount, can make a significant impact. Together, we can make a difference and continue our journey toward a more informed and just society.
Thank you for supporting Labour Heartlands
