Downing Street urges Bernard Jenkin to cooperate with police in investigation of quarantine parties

Sir Bernard Jenkin played a leading role in the Privilege Committee investigation of Boris Johnson

Downing Street called on Sir Bernard Jenkin and other face conservatives facing questions about alleged anti-lockdown gatherings to cooperate with police if approached.

Sir Bernard is in the spotlight after claims he attended an event purported to be a 65th birthday celebration Baroness Jenkin, his wife, in December 2020 – despite a ban on socializing indoors in London.

The cake and drink gathering was reportedly hosted by Dame Eleanor Laing, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.

Sir Bernard denies attending a drinking party and his ally said no rules were broken, and Dame Eleanor insists she listened to advice on restrictions.

This is one of three allegations of violations of the rules that Scotland Yard is currently evaluating during the pandemic.

The rest relate to the allegations against Boris Johnson, Downing Street and Checkers and a Christmas party with Tory officials.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister's press secretary was asked: At the closing, police are evaluating various charges – CCHQ, one involving Bernard Jenkin and Eleanor Laing that took place here, others the government has aired about Checkers.

“Many of the people involved – conservative activists, MPs and employees – would the prime minister encourage them to cooperate with the police?”

The spokesman replied: “Yes, of course '.

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The MP for Harwich and North Essex is the highest-ranking member of the Conservative Privileges Committee, which last week released a 106-page report concluding that Mr. in isolation.

Boris Johnson Privilege Committee Report

After the accusations against Sir Bernard were first published by Guido Fox's website on the eve of the report, Mr Johnson accused him of “monstrous hypocrisy” and stated, that he could no longer be considered a “valid judge”.< /p>

In his letter to Dame Harriet Harman, who led the investigation, Johnson said: that he did exactly what he claims I did. ”

Sir Bernard tweeted for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday to mark Armed Forces Week, but remained silent on the allegations.