Political leaders have spoken to the Gazette about their travel arrangements over the last few months as they urge members of the public to stay at home as much as possible during lockdown.

Though restrictions came down following the end of the second national lockdown in December, and then have been tightened once again over the following month, politicians wanted to reassure the public that everyone is in it together.

Under the current national lockdown, members of the public should not leave home unless they have a reasonable excuse, which include work, volunteering, essential activities and education.

Councillors and MPs from across north Hampshire were contacted by the Gazette to ask what they’d been up to over the past few months, and here’s what some of them had to say:

Councillor Ken Rhatigan, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council:

“I have kept strictly to the Guidance and kept travel to a minimum barely leaving the Borough during those months but always when allowed by the tier system.

“I have not been abroad since February when I went to Denmark .

“I of course urge that residents stay indoors when possible and only leave home for essential items or causes , and to get some daily exercise.”

Councillor Andrew McCormick, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Labour Group:

“We were in Tier Two up until December 26, then Tier Four was stay at home: lockdown by another name.

“For Tier Two I was:

• Travelling into work when necessary - I work in Tech and need to access hardware not connected to internet.

• I have a support bubble, so I had travel involving that.

• Going out for exercise (running, from front door, not driving anywhere to do it).

• Food / medicine shopping (within a five-mile radius).

• Xmas shopping at Festival Place (two visits, Dec 12 and 19).

• Post office for sending Xmas parcels.

• Bank to deposit cash (One trip in a two-month period).

• I think I went to the petrol station to fill up once in those two months as well.

• Leafleting (stopped Dec 24).

• Church (stopped Dec 24).

“Since Tier Four/lockdown, I aim to leave the house once a day if possible (for exercise), plus one other trip if necessary (e.g. buying milk, or click & collect shopping). My parents are in their 80's and not going out at all, so I am doing click & collect for them, dropping off bags at front door. I would offer to do the same for other people I know in a similar position.”

Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire

“Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country and county and it is vitally important that we all follow the rules and stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

"Over November and December, in line with the tiers, I only travelled where strictly necessary - for example in relation to my ministerial duties - and observed social distancing in all my interactions. Like many people, my family and I had to change our Christmas plans when the rules changed on December 20, celebrating with our relatives on Zoom instead. My wife and I are now working from home, alongside our children who are learning remotely, but if the need arises I might have to travel to attend parliament to appear at the despatch box.

"The government has published the list of reasons you can leave your home or area during this lockdown and I urge all Hampshire residents to stay at home and stay local.”