A leading coronavirus scientist has resigned from his role after he reportedly breached the lockdown restrictions.
Professor Neil Ferguson tonight stood down from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) which advises the government on the pandemic, admitting he had made an “error of judgment”.
According to the Telegraph the Imperial College London professor twice allowed a woman to visit him at his home in the capital contrary to government rules.
Prof Ferguson's advice is widely credited as having been influential in Boris Johnson's decision to lockdown the country on March 23.
And he has previously spoken of the need to observe strict social distancing to help halt the spread of the virus.
He said he believed he was immune having previously tested positive, isolated and recovered from the virus.
However he said he "deeply regretted any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing."
Prof Ferguson told the Telegraph: “I accept I made an error of judgment and took the wrong course of action.
"I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in SAGE.
“I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive for coronavirus, and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms.
“I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic.
"The Government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us.”
A government spokesman confirmed Prof Ferguson’s resignation.
Earlier this month Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood resigned after admitting she hadn't followed her own guidelines by visiting her second home.
Yesterday a list of all members of SAGE was published with some of their advice now being made public.
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