Scotland Yard is opening an investigation into allegations that coronavirus regulations were breached at a gathering attended by Sir Bernard Jenkin on Dec 8, 2020.
The Metropolitan Police also confirmed it was reopening an investigation into potential breaches of the lockdown rules at a Christmas Party held at Conservative Party headquarters in Matthew Parker Street on Dec 14, 2020.
However, no investigation is to be launched into claims Boris Johnson, the former prime minister broke rules with gatherings he held at Downing Street and Chequers.
Sir Bernard, who is a member of the privileges committee that delivered a damning verdict on Mr Johnson’s conduct over partygate, was accused of breaking the rules himself by attending an event allegedly to celebrate the 65th birthday of Baroness Jenkin, his wife, despite a ban on socialising indoors in London.
A gathering with cake and drinks was said to have been hosted by Dame Eleanor Laing, the deputy Commons speaker.
Sir Bernard previously denied attending a drinks party and an ally has said no rules were broken, while Dame Eleanor insists she took advice on restrictions.
After the accusations about Sir Bernard were first reported, Mr Johnson accused him of “monstrous hypocrisy” and claimed he could no longer be considered a “valid judge”.
In his letter to Dame Harriet Harman, who led the privileges committee investigation, Mr Johnson said: “If indeed he did attend a blatantly rule-breaking event, he would be guilty of doing exactly what he claims that I did.”
A Scotland Yard spokesman 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 Met will also reopen an investigation into a “jingle and mingle” party allegedly attended by Conservative Party staff who had been working on the campaign for the then London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey.
It had previously been investigated by police but no fines were issued amid claims that it was a work event.
However, a video then emerged in which guests could be seen dancing with one another in front of a table piled with buffet food. Sir Mark Rowley, Met Commissioner, said it told a “much richer, clearer” story.
A Met spokesman said: “Following assessment of new evidence that was not previously provided to officers, the Met is now re-opening an investigation into potential breaches of the regulations at an event in Matthew Parker Street on 14 December 2020.”
However, allegations that Mr Johnson broke rules with a series of gatherings in Downing Street and Chequers in 2020 and 2021 will not be investigated, the Met said.
Scotland Yard was passed information about the gatherings by officials from the Cabinet Office who were going through the former Prime Minister’s diaries in preparation for the Covid Inquiry.
A Met spokesman said: “The Met and Thames Valley Police have assessed material referred by the Cabinet Office regarding potential breaches of the Regulations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Downing Street and Chequers.
“Based on an assessment of that material and an account provided regarding the diary entries, and also having sought some further clarification, the Met and Thames Valley Police have each assessed the events in their jurisdiction and concluded that they do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation.
“The Met and Thames Valley Police continue to reserve the right to revisit assessments in the event that further significant evidence comes to light.”