Tory MP Virginia Crosbie apologises for attending birthday event during Covid: ‘I did not drink’

Crosbie is a former parliamentary private secretary to ex-health secretary Matt Hancock

Conservative MP Virginia Crosbie (Roger Harris/UK Parliament/PA) (PA Media)

A Conservative MP has apologised for attending an event in Parliament while Covid restrictions were still in place.

The Guido Fawkes website reported that Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, was the co-host of an alleged drinks event on 8 December 2020, with the site quoting a WhatsApp message from Baroness Jenkin describing the event as “joint birthday drinks” to mark the pair turning 54 and 65 respectively.

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.

“Regarding reports of an event held on 8th December 2020 I would like to set out the facts,” she said in a statement.

“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.