Dominic Cummings: Newspapers offer different versions of events as top aide leaves No10

One report says PM showed texts he said proved allegations against adviser and former communications chief

As newspapers followed the exits of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain from Downing Street, they have offered different versions of exactly what happened. 

On Friday, Mr Cummings was pictured leaving No10 with a box of belongings – an image which has since been plastered over the UK’s front pages.

Contrasting stories have emerged, however, about what went on inside the official residence that day.

The Independent reported the controversial aide told allies he was “gone for good” – although it is understood he will continue working for another month.

The past week had been one of “turmoil and bitter infighting”, according to our report.

One source said Mr Cummings was told to go after briefing against Boris Johnson, The Guardian reported.

Their front page said: “End of Cummings era." 

According to the Financial Times, Mr Johnson met with Mr Cummings and Mr Cain, the former No10 communications chief, for 45 minutes on Friday, and accused them of destabilising the government amid tense talks with the EU over Brexit.

The PM also alleged they had briefed against him and his partner, Carrie Symonds, showed them text messages which he said proved the allegation, and told the pair to get out and never return, the newspaper reported. 

However,  a source with knowledge of the conversation described that version of events as "horsesh*t", according to Mr Cain's former employer, the Daily Mirror.

The PA news agency understands the architects of Vote Leave will still be employed until the middle of next month and will work from their homes.

Meanwhile in The Times, it was reported the prime minister told Mr Cummings and Mr Cain to quit amid fears they would “poison the well” if they stayed on in their positions until the end of the year, as was the original plan.

One senior Conservative source told the newspaper they were worried Mr Cummings could try to “settle scores” on his way out.

“Cummings forced out in purge of Brexiteers,” read The Times front page.

In other confusion, the Mirror ran a photograph showing a grinning Mr Cain alongside the PM with both wearing boxing gloves with a "Get Brexit Done" inscription, reporting an unidentified source had said it was taken just hours after Mr Cain and Mr Cummings had been ordered to leave Downing Street. 

Additional reporting by Press Association