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.”