Government scientist Neil Ferguson resigns amid reports he broke lockdown rules

The expert admitted he had made an “error of judgement”.

The epidemiologist whose analysis forced the government into imposing a nationwide lockdown has resigned from his role advising ministers after admitting to twice seeing his married mistress in breach of official guidelines.

Imperial College London’s Professor Neil Ferguson has stood down from his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) after admitting an “error of judgment”.

The Daily Telegraph reported that a 39 year-old woman twice travelled from her South London home, which she is understood to share with her husband and two children, to visit Mr Ferguson, who has recovered from coronavirus.

Professor Neil Ferguson, director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College London, has resigned after breaking lockdown rules.

A Government spokesman confirmed Mr Ferguson’s resignation.

“I accept I made an error of judgment and took the wrong course of action,” he told the Telegraph. “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.”

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood resigned last month after it was revealed she twice visited her family’s second home in Fife.

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