A Tory MP has apologised for attending 'birthday drinks' during Covid. Virginia Crosbie attended the event in Parliament while restrictions were still in place.
The Guido Fawkes website reported that the MP for Ynys Mon, was the co-host of an alleged drinks event on December 8 2020. The site quoted a WhatsApp message from Baroness Jenkin describing the event as “joint birthday drinks” to mark the pair turning 54 and 65 respectively, PA reports.
The event came under the spotlight when Boris Johnson lashed out at the Privileges Committee ahead of its damning report into his conduct, and accused Sir Bernard Jenkin of “monstrous hypocrisy” for allegedly attending the event with his wife. Ms Crosbie confirmed the event took place but said she had not sent out any invitation.
She said in a statement: "Regarding reports of an event held on 8th December 2020 I would like to set out the facts. The invitation for this event was not sent out by me. I attended the event briefly, I did not drink and I did not celebrate my birthday. I went home shortly after to be with my family.
“I apologise unreservedly for a momentary error of judgment in attending the event.”
Ms Crosbie is a former parliamentary private secretary to ex-health secretary Matt Hancock.
Plaid Cymru Leader of the Ynys Môn County Council, Llinos Medi said: “The people of Ynys Môn will be incredibly disappointed to learn that their Member of Parliament, Virginia Crosbie, broke Covid lockdown rules by partying in London in December 2020.
“As Parliamentary Private Secretary to Minister for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, at the time, Ms Crosbie would have been well aware that she was breaking the rules by attending a birthday party along with several other Conservative MPs.
"By partying in London whilst we on Anglesey were keeping to the rules, Ms Crosbie has shown complete contempt towards the people she represents and for the laws she was partly responsible in creating."
