Newark MP Robert Jenrick should lead by example, says Newark and Sherwood politicians

Politicians locally say Newark MP Robert Jenrick should lead by example after articles appeared in the national media accusing him of breaking his own government lockdown advice.

It is claimed Mr Jenrick, who is Communities Secretary, moved from his house in London to his second home in Herefordshire, to be with his family, and also travelled a further 40 miles to deliver food and medicine to his parents.

The Labour Group leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Mr Paul Peacock, said: "Robert Jenrick is standing there at his podium at the news conferences saying these are the rules and we must stick to them. Then he's out appearing to act someway differently, and it is not a good look.

"On the flip side of that, he has a family and is worried about them.

"He's only human and lockdown is difficult to deal with."

Mr Peacock is coordinating the supply of food and medication in the west of the district.

He said: "It is probably worse for people with less resources than he has to cope with, as we are finding out with the amount of requests we are getting for help as lockdown continues.

"Robert is central to the leadership through this pandemic. People have looked to him and accepted what he had to say. He needs to lead by example."

The Advertiser has received comments from people who say they are in the same position as Mr Jenrick, but have had to tell their parents that they are unable to see them.

Mr Peacock said: "The message of the last few weeks has been clear, however frustrating ­— don't go out. Not going out will save lives.

"Despite what Robert Jenrick has done, that message is still vital and he now needs to be on a podium and apologising and reinforcing that message."

Speaking personally and not officially for the Conservatives locally, Newark and Sherwood district councillor Tony Roberts said: "I was surprised by what happened on two levels. Firstly, the furore that his family home is in Herefordshire ­— now that has been generally known for some years in addition to his homes in London and Southwell.

"I then thought that he's got three children and why wouldn't you want them to be in the safest place possible and if you have the opportunity to place them in rural Herefordshire away from a town or a city like London, why wouldn't you? That's what I'd do with my kids.

"Secondly, the 40-mile trip to see his parents in Shropshire, which does go against the Government advice. It seems to me that he made a calculated decision there was a need to deliver this stuff to his parents and he says he spoke to them at distance.

"He chose to behave that way and I hope he did it for the best of reasons.

"Robert should be setting a good example. The perception to the outside world is not a good one."

In response to the articles, Mr Jenrick said he was delivering essential items to his parents and obeyed social distancing rules.

He said his house in Herefordshire was the family home and where his family were before any travel restrictions were announced.

"I have been working in London on ministerial duties, putting in place the system to shield the group most vulnerable to coronavirus and organising the response at a local level. Once I was able to work from home it was right that I went home to do so and be with my wife and also help care for my three young children," he said.

The Advertiser has approached Mr Jenrick for a comment.

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