Scotland Yard has opened an official investigation into allegations of a lockdown rule-breaking party in Parliament attended by a senior Tory MP.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed today it has launched an official probe into a gathering on December 8, 2020, said to have been attended by Sir Bernard Jenkin.
Sir Bernard, the chairman of the Liaison Committee, has faced criticism and allegations of hypocrisy from supporters of Boris Johnson after it was claimed he was at an event to mark his wife’s birthday, at which drinks were served.
The Harwich and North Essex MP sat on the committee that ruled last month that the ex-PM misled MPs over what he knew about Partygate lawbreaking, sparking his resignation as an MP.
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman tonight said: ‘Following assessment of material relating to a gathering in Parliament, the Met is opening an investigation into potential breaches of the Regulations at an event on 8 December 2020.’
The force also revealed it was not investigation Mr Johnson over fresh claims that he was involved in further lockdown breaches in Downing Street and at Chequers, the PM’s country pad. A spokesman said the claims ‘do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation.’
Sir Bernard, the chairman of the Liaison Committee, has faced criticism and allegations of hypocrisy from supporters of Boris Johnson after it was claimed he was at an event to mark his wife’s birthday, at which drinks were served.
The Harwich and North Essex MP sat on the committee that ruled last month that the ex-PM misled MPs over what he knew about Partygate lawbreaking, sparking his resignation as an MP.
Sir Bernard, one of Mr Johnson’s chief interrogators on the Privileges Committee inquiry, has remained silent now on the issue for two weeks.
But fellow Tory MP Virigina Crosbie has apologised for being at the gathering – a joint event to mark her birthday and that of Sir Bernard’s wife Anne – although she said she was there only briefly.
Sir Bernard has been approached to comment.
The police said they are also reopening an investigation into a party as Conservative Party headquarters in December 2020.
Shocking footage of a Christmas party involving at least 24 revellers was revealed last month.
Two dancing officials were shown twirling each other past signs saying ‘please keep your distance’ and stumbling into a table laden with buffet food. As they do so, other Tory staff members are heard laughing, with one joking that he hopes that they are not exposed for ‘bending the rules.’
The raucous party was organised by the campaign team of the then London Mayor candidate Shaun Bailey, now Lord Bailey. Several of those pictured now work for Moz Hossain, who is standing to be the Tory candidate at the next mayoral election.
The Metropolitan Police has previously investigated the event, which took place on December 14, but only had a still image of the partygoers.