Coronavirus: Gosport MP says she stuck to two metre rule after backlash for visiting her parents

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage received a backlash after tweeting about a visit to her parents at the weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Portsmouth Councillor John Ferrett accused her of ignoring government guidance. In a tweet he said: 'Let me get this right.

'A former social care minister feels it's OK for her to flout her own government's instructions.

'Are only the little people supposed to abide by Johnson's edict?'

Ms Dinenage's father, ITV’s Fred Dinenage, announced last week that he would be self isolating with his wife.

However, Ms Dinenage explained she kept to the two metre distancing rule during her visit.

She said: ‘Like most people, I’m supporting my parents to make sure they don’t have to leave the house.

I took some shopping to them on Saturday, where I found them in the garden.

'I was able to wish my mum a happy Mother’s Day from a safe, two metre distance and entirely within government guidelines on social distancing and keeping people safe.’

It came before the latest announcement from the prime minister to only venture outside for work if necessary, food and one form of exercise a day.

Ms Dinenage appeared on Radio Solent this morning and appeared to be experiencing some coronavirus symptoms so stayed home as a precaution.

She told The News: ‘I’m fine, woke up with a bit of a sore throat but it’s gone now.

‘Parliament is still sitting but I stayed home today to keep an eye on it. I’m doing all my meetings on the phone.’