Independent book publisher 'devastated' after Dominic Cummings is pictured carrying its tote bag

Mr Cummings was called a "demonic succubus" for daring to carry the bookseller's bag
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Bronwen Weatherby24 October 2019

An independent publisher which celebrates forgotten female authors said it is "devastated" after pictures emerged of Dominic Cummings carrying on its tote bags.

Mr Cummings, the Prime Minister's chief adviser, has been photographed coming and going from Number 10 while wearing a re-useable bag from Persephone Books.

The bookseller, based in Holborn, reprints forgotten fiction and non-fiction from the mid-20th century, mostly by female authors.

Earlier this month, a tweet was sent to the publisher's account which said: "Wondering how one of my favourite publishers, @PersephoneBooks is feeling about its bag's starring appearance in Downing Street yesterday?"

The company replied saying: "In a word, we are devastated."

When the Standard approached Persephone Books for comment, a spokeswoman added: "We're not at all happy about it.

Author Harriet Evans, who has written 11 books, also commented on the pictures, tweeting that he was a "demonic succubus".

The tweet, which the publisher retweeted, read: "You can take my healthcare, my country’s union, my basic rights and freedoms away but when you come for [Persephone Books] then I really do start to lose my s***."

Ms Evans also extended a sarcastic invite for Mr Cummings to meet her in their local neighbourhood of Islington and trade political views.

Mr Cummings is Mr Johnson's chief of staff and has attracted much media attention since his appointment.

Previously, he was adviser to Michael Gove at the education ministry.

He was also the campaign director for Vote Leave during the EU Referendum.

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