The Partygate Inquisitor, Sir Bernard Jenkin, Challenged by Rees-Mogg to Step Down from Key Commons Post
- Sir Bernard Jenkin is one of Boris Johnson’s main interrogators
- He has remained silent regarding his attendance at a lockdown-breaking party
Sir Bernard Jenkin, the inquisitor in the Partygate scandal involving Boris Johnson, has been urged by Jacob Rees-Mogg to step down from his crucial role in the Commons pending a thorough investigation into allegations that he himself attended a lockdown-breaking party.
The senior Conservative MP has faced criticism for his refusal to respond to questions about his alleged attendance at a “birthday drinks” event in December 2020 that violated Covid-19 regulations.
Sir Bernard, known for his prominent role as an interrogator in the Privileges Committee inquiry, has remained silent on the matter for two weeks.
Another Conservative MP, Virigina Crosbie, has apologized for being present at the gathering, which was a joint celebration for her and Sir Bernard’s wife Anne. However, she stated that she was only there briefly.
Sir Bernard Jenkin is the Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex, and has been an MP continuously since 9 April 1992
In its latest report, the Commons’ Privileges Committee seeks to rebuke MPs and peers who have criticized its investigation into Boris Johnson and the Partygate affair
Jacob Rees-Mogg stated that it is now necessary to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the event. He told The Mail on Sunday: “Sir Bernard… will have to be investigated if he will not address the issue himself.” Rees-Mogg also called for Sir Bernard to relinquish his influential position as chairman of the Liaison Committee, which comprises the heads of all Commons select committees.
Rees-Mogg emphasized, “He [Sir Bernard] cannot hold this post while questions remain unanswered. He will not be taken seriously in this role if people find amusement in his personal misconduct.”
Sir Jacob acknowledged that his Tory colleague may be “perfectly innocent, with reasons similar to Boris’s for not realizing the rules were being violated, or for making an unintentional mistake in good faith.”
However, he added, “Unfortunately, as long as he avoids answering these questions, it appears as though he has something to hide. Silence implies consent in this case, consenting to his attendance at a party.”
Sir Bernard has not responded to requests for comment.
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