A Tory health minister has apologised for continuing a face-to-face meeting with bereaved fathers - despite receiving a positive Covid result.
Gillian Keegan said she had taken a precautionary lateral flow test before meeting campaigners Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen, who lost their daughters to suicide.
She was informed during the meeting that her result was positive - but admitted that she stayed on to listen to their stories.
NHS guidance says people who test positive for Covid should begin isolating immediately.
Ms Keegan admitted that remaining in the meeting was "an error of judgement" in a Twitter thread later that night.
The minister tweeted: "Earlier today, ahead of a planned visit I took a precautionary LFD test which gave a positive result. I am now isolating at home and fortunately feel fine.
"When I was told my test was positive I was listening to three fathers who had tragically lost their daughters to suicide. I told them the result and took further precautions but with their consent, I stayed for a short period to hear their stories.
"I should have immediately ended the meeting and on reflection this was an error of judgment on my part.
"I fully recognise the importance of following the letter and spirit of the policies, so want to be upfront about what happened and to apologise for the mistake I made."
Health Minister Ed Argar defended her for continuing with a meeting after discovering she had tested positive for Covid-19.
He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "She's clearly issued a fulsome apology there, that she did make an error of judgment, she was open about that and she accepted she made an error of judgment."
A spokesman for Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The Secretary of State has spoken with the minister who has taken responsibility for her actions and made a full apology.
"He accepts her apology and continues to support her in her role."
Downing Street said she had apologised for her error of judgement but refused to comment further.
But Lobby Akinnola, spokesperson for Covid-19 Bereaved families for Justice, branded her actions "deeply disturbing".
He said: "This is completely morally irresponsible behavior. As the families of the over 175,000 people who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 know all too well, Keegan’s actions could have led to someone’s death.
"It’s deeply disturbing that this came from one of the country’s health ministers. Once again we are seeing those in Government setting a poor example for the rest of the country to follow."
The trio of bereaved fathers, who raised £500,000 on a 300-mile walk last year, met Ms Keegan to call for suicide awareness lessons in schools.
Known as Three Dads Walking, the campaigners trekked for 15 days from Mr Airey's home in Cumbria, to Mr Palmer's home in Greater Manchester and on to Mr Owen's in Norfolk last October.
Hollywood actors Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman were among those who donated to their cause.
Mr Palmer, who lost his 17-year-old daughter Beth to suicide in March 2020, said the minister had acted very responsibly."
He said Ms Keegan put a mask on, put further distance between herself and the men, and "made arrangements to leave as fast as possible", adding: "We have no grievance or problem with the way she acted whatsoever."
Mr Palmer added: "She doesn't need to apologise to us in any way, shape or form. Absolutely not."
