Bernard Jenkin with his wife Ann. He previously denied attending a drink party. Photo: Alan Davidson/Shutterstock.
Scotland Yard launches investigation into allegations of violations of coronavirus rules at a meeting attended by Sir Bernard Jenkin on December 8, 2020.
The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that they are reopening their investigation into possible violations of self-isolation rules at a Christmas party held at the Tory Headquarters on Matthew Parker Street on December 14, 2020.
However, there is no investigation. claims may be made against Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, who broke the rules at meetings he held at Downing Street and at Checkers.
Sir Bernard, who is a member of the privileges committee that issued a guilty verdict regarding Mr. Johnson's behavior at partygate, has been accused of breaking the rules for personally attending an event allegedly celebrating the 65th birthday of Baroness Jenkin, his wife, despite ban. on indoor fellowship in London.
The cake and drink meeting was reportedly hosted by Dame Eleanor Laing, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.
Sir Bernard previously denied attending a drinking party and an ally said no rules were broken, while Dame Eleanor insists she heeded advice about restrictions.
Tuesday evening, Sir Bernard said : «It is inappropriate to comment on the ongoing investigation.»
Johnson was «disgracefully treated»
David Campbell Bannerman, a former Conservative MEP and Johnson ally, said: «Lang should stand aside until these allegations that she hosted a quarantine drink party allegedly attended by Bernard Jenkin are addressed.» and Ann Jenkin.
“The Speaker, Sir Lindsey, needs to conduct his own investigation of her actions for the good of Parliament.
“If the Privilege Committee was a court case, the judge would be fired and a retrial ordered. Parliament treated Boris Johnson shamefully and unfairly. This investigation should be called a mistrial and should be reopened.»
Dame Eleanor has made it clear she has no intention of resigning, stating: «Because this investigation is live, any further inquiries should be directed to Metropolitan. Police.
Lord Cruddas, another Johnson ally, said: «I suppose they should remain silent if there is a police investigation, but Jenkin should resign immediately because he is under investigation and Dame Eleanor should not remain silent about her own position for the integrity of the House of Commons.”
Customs of “monstrous hypocrisy”
Mr Johnson was approached for comment. After the allegations against Sir Bernard became known for the first time, the former prime minister accused him of «monstrous hypocrisy» and declared that he could no longer be considered a «real judge».
In his letter to Mrs. Harriet Harman, who led the Privilege Committee's investigation, Johnson said: «Had he really been present at an event that clearly violated the rules, he would have been guilty of doing exactly what he claims I did.» .
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: «After evaluating materials relating to the assembly in Parliament, the Met is launching an investigation into possible violations of the rules at the event on December 8, 2020.»
The Met will also reopen an investigation into a party allegedly attended by Conservative Party employees working on the campaign of then-London mayoral candidate Sean Bailey. that it was a work event.
However, then a video appeared showing guests dancing with each other in front of a table littered with a buffet table. Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Met, said the story is «much richer and clearer».
A Met spokesman said: «After evaluating new evidence not previously provided to officers, the Met is reopening its investigation into possible rule violations at an event on Matthew Parker Street on December 14, 2020.»
Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, said: «Conservative politicians are once again facing accusations of breaking the rules that we must all follow.
«Rishi Sunak must confirm that he will call to strip anyone who breaks the law. Anything less would be a complete mockery of his promise to lead honestly.
“He also needs to intervene to prevent Sean Bailey from taking the place of a colleague while the investigation is ongoing. It cannot be that Sean Bailey is allowed into the House of Lords while he is under police investigation.”
No investigation of the ex-Prime Minister
Allegations that Mr. a series of gatherings in Downing Street and Checkers in 2020 and 2021 will not be investigated, according to the Met.
Information about the gatherings was passed to Scotland Yard by cabinet officials who were reviewing the former prime minister's diaries in preparation for the Covid investigation. assessed the material transmitted by Cabinet regarding potential rule violations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Downing Street and Checkers.
“Based on the evaluation of this material and the report provided in relation to the diary entries , and In addition, upon requesting further clarification, the Metropolitan and Thames Valley Police conducted an assessment of the events in their jurisdiction and concluded that they did not meet the retrospective criteria for initiating an investigation.
“Met and Thames Valley Police still reserve the right to revise estimates if additional important evidence is discovered.”
A government source said: “Civil officials told the police about Boris's diary entries without informing their ministers. Ministers are pleased that this issue can be left behind where it should be.”
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