Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick travelled to his parents’ home in Shropshire during lockdown

Government guidance says “you should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home”

A Cabinet minister reportedly travelled 40 miles to visit his elderly parents despite joining government calls to limit all but essential travel.

The Guardian reported that Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick travelled to his parents’ home in Shropshire last weekend.

Mr Jenrick is understood not to be denying the claim, but says he was dropping off food and medicine and maintained social distance during the visit.

Robert Jenrick travelled to his parents’ home during lockdown

Government guidance says “you should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home”, although an exception is made if you are looking after someone vulnerable or elderly.

It was reported that Mr Jenrick’s parents have been getting help with their groceries and medication from neighbours.

In an article two weeks ago, Mr Jenrick urged family members not to travel to visit elderly relatives and instead trust local communities to look after them.

“While we create physical distance between ourselves, we must at the same time have closer social support for our neighbour,” he wrote.

And on Mother’s Day, Mr Jenrick told Sky News: “The advice today is very clear. We need to stay at home for all bar the most essential activities, and by doing that we’ll protect the NHS and help to save lives.

“I know it’s Mother’s Day and I know it’s tough and it goes against everything that we want to do as a family, but don’t go and see your mum. Give her a phone call, Skype her, FaceTime her, tell her that you love her and that we’re going to get through this together.”

A source close to the minister was quoted as saying: “Mr Jenrick went to drop off essential medicines and food to his parents who are self-isolating at home due to their age. He followed guidance and left the items outside their home.”