Government scientist Neil Ferguson resigns amid reports he broke lockdown rules

By Paris Gourtsoyannis
Published 5th May 2020, 20:01 BST
Updated 5th May 2020, 20:25 BST
Comment
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”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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