Sir Bernard was the highest-ranking Conservative on the Privilege Committee who investigated Boris Johnson. Photo: Jessica Taylor/Getty
Sir Bernard Jenkin to stay on the privileges committee to present a new report on Boris Johnson's allies, who called MPs a «kangaroo court.»
Sir Bernard, who is also chairman of the House of Commons Liaison Committee, was personally attacked by Mr Johnson after allegations Sir Bernard attended a party that may have been breaking the rules during the Covid lockdown.
Sir Bernard was the most a senior Conservative on the committee that investigated the Johnson case and recommended that the former prime minister be suspended for 90 days for misleading MPs about parties in Downing Street violating the lockdown.
The event is believed to be Sir Bernard The event was attended by Dame Eleanor Lang, deputy speaker, who revealed on Guido Fox's blog that she used a 2m ruler to enforce social distancing. At the time, Covid rules prohibited indoor gatherings unless they were necessary for work.
Sir Bernard denied attending a drink party, and his ally said no rules were broken. Scotland Yard is currently looking into the matter but has not launched an investigation yet.
The event, allegedly attended by Sir Bernard, was hosted by Dame Eleanor Laing, Deputy Speaker Photo: House of Commons
Sir Bernard made it clear understand that he remains on the committee, despite the claims. Friends said it was «not true» that he would back down. The deputy himself declined to comment.
Criticizing the committee, Mr. Johnson said his report was «so worn out that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkin's nudist colonies.» Sir Bernard is an avid naturist.
Sir Bernard has also inspired characters of the same name in Richard Curtis' films, which were reportedly fueled by a feud between MP and director after Sir Bernard married his university girlfriend . Ann.
Mr. Johnson's supporters are gearing up for a second report from the Committee on Privileges, which could see Mr. Johnson's supporters face even more condemnation as early as next week.
Preparing a special report
In its report, released Thursday, the committee said: “From the beginning of this investigation, there has been a continuous attempt, apparently coordinated, to undermine the credibility of the committee and, more worryingly, the credibility of its members.
The committee is concerned that if such behavior goes unpunished, the House of Representatives will not be able to establish such a committee to conduct sensitive and important investigations in the future.
“There must be a committee in the House to protect its rights and privileges, and it must protect the members of the House in the exercise of this duty from formal or informal attacks or undermining aimed at deterring and preventing them from fulfilling this duty.
“ We will make a special report to the House of Representatives on these matters.”
The Telegraph understands that the new report will not recommend any sanctions, leaving it up to the House of Commons. He can name names or simply refer to whether critics of Parliament are privy councillors.
was one of the most outspoken attacks on Privilege Committee. Photo: Neil Hall/Shutterstock
Friends of Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg are increasingly concerned that the new report will target a former business secretary who has been one of the most outspoken in his attacks on the committee.
One of them said: “There are Eurosceptic conservatives who are worried about the direction [of the party]. Who benefits from clearing government benches of true conservatives? People are more and more suspicious of number 10.
“Naturally people make the assumption that Rishi is happy that this is all going on. Ultimately, the Conservatives and the Prime Minister will lose out.”
A Downing Street source vehemently denied that Mr Sunak coordinated the purge of Mr Johnson's supporters with the help of the Privilege Committee.
Speaking to LBC on Friday, Sir Jacob said he thought the party report left Sir Bernard «in the same boat» as Mr Johnson, but a police investigation would be a waste of the Metropolitan Police's time.
“I think this is a problem for the committee, because let the one who is without sin throw the first stone,” he said.
“It’s not good to throw a lot of stones if it turns out that you were in one boat.
“I think it needs to be looked into, but I wouldn't call for a police investigation. I think that's enough for us.»
A mixed history
Sir Bernard has a mixed history with Mr Johnson when he ran into the Liaison Committee during the latter's stay in Downing Street.
< p> On Friday night, Johnson's allies reiterated their call for the Met to investigate Sir Bernard.
«Those who investigate must be cleaner than clean,» one of them said.
< p> “It is only right that Bernard Gate is being investigated by the appropriate authorities.”
Tory responses to Committee of Privileges report
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