A POLITICAL piece of public art has rolled into the region to highlight the damage done during Dominic Cummings’ now infamous journey during lockdown.

The purpose-built structure was strapped to the roof of Birmingham-based artist Sam Edward’s car as he travelled from Islington to Barnard Castle via Durham.

The frame rotates through quotes the Prime Minister’s advisor gave about the trip he and his wife made while suffering from coronavirus symptoms.

Mr Edward said his piece intends ‘to analyse the deception in language’ that is regularly used by people in power to hide their actions.

Mr Edward started the journey early in the morning, taking regular breaks throughout the day to change the quotes on the art piece.

Artists and thinkers were invited onto a livestream over social media to discuss topics such as: the political climate at large; how can we educate young people better around politics; and how do we make politics a more open and accessible place.

Mr Edward said: “This event is designed to open up a space for politics as a whole to be examined.

“As we move into a new world post-lockdown, we have opportunities to challenge the norms of our every day.

“We can challenge how institutions are built and behave, how individuals act/or do not act within these spaces as well as provide a platform for voices that need to be elevated.”

Mr Cummings was criticised for coming to his family farm on the outskirts of Durham in case he needed childcare for his four-year-old son.

He claimed a trip to Barnard Castle was to see if he could drive having experienced problems with his eyesight.

An inquiry by Durham Constabulary found the initial journey did not breach Government restrictions but the day trip ‘might’ have warranted a minor breach’.

As part of his journey, Mr Edward parked his structure near the family home, at Houghall woods and at Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall, where he met Durham City MP Mary Foy, before heading on to Barnard Castle.

Ms Foy said: “What Sam is doing, to research the deception in language regularly used by politicians to cover up their actions is incredibly innovative and admirable.”

“We’ve all witnessed politicians using language in a way that allows them to dodge answering a question truthfully; using ten words when one would do; using jargon and long words to give a sense of intellectual superiority; speeches that are full of the usual clichés which lack any original thought.

“In the end, people are left uninspired or in a daze of confusion – something we’ve seen following many of the Government’s press conferences during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is only right that my constituents, and people across the entire country, should feel able to challenge the status quo and the normality that has grown around political language.

“The pandemic has changed the way people look at things now, especially politics. They aren’t convinced that politicians and their advisors know best and that newfound desire to query our work and decisions should be welcomed, albeit in a constructive manner.

“This is exactly what Sam is doing through his art today and we must explore more ways in which we can link politics and art together.

“The Prime Minister and the Government need to understand that people have not simply forgotten about the actions of Mr Cummings. I am still contacted by people who are bitterly disappointed that no action was taken, even Conservative voters who have informed me they’ll never vote that way again.

“It was clearly another huge failing of the Prime Minister to not take any formal action in relation to Mr Cummings, a failing that will not be forgotten for a very long time – if ever.”