Who is Sir Bernard Jenkin? The Partygate committee member is accused of double standards by Boris Johnson

With the report on Boris Johnson’s conduct during COVID-19 set to be published by the select committee involved with the investigation, the former Prime Minister is not looking to leave the political sphere without a fight. Johnson, already dogged with controversy regarding his honours list, has now taken aim not only towards the direction of the Conservative Party, but now has accused one of the Partygate report committee members of a double standard.

Johnson alleged that Sir Bernard Jenkin should resign as he too was on hand for a series of drinking and gathering during the UK lockdown. In a letter to the committee last night, Mr Johnson said Sir Bernard appeared to be guilty of 'flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy' – and questioned whether its report into his own conduct could still be considered reliable.

According to reports, Sir Bernard Jenkin allegedly attended a social gathering organised by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020. The event took place during a period when London was under Tier 2 restrictions, which limited indoor mixing. It is said that the gathering was held to celebrate the 65th birthday of Sir Bernard's wife, Anne, and both drinks and cake were served during the occasion

The committee is expected to formally accuse Mr Johnson of lying when it finally publishes its report into Partygate today. Mr Johnson resigned as an MP last week after being sent a draft copy, which he described as a 'political hit job'.

As we start here at PeopleWorld to pour through the all-important Partygate report, which has just been released, we take a look at who Sir Bernard Jenkin is on what is set to be a big day in British politics.

Who is Sir Bernard Jenkin?

Sir Bernard Jenkin, born on April 9, 1959, is a prominent British Conservative Party politician who has made significant contributions to British politics. He has been serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Harwich and North Essex since 2010, and he is also the chair of the Liaison Committee. Before the Harwich and North Essex constituency was created, he represented Colchester North and North Essex in previous elections.

Born into a political family, Sir Bernard Jenkin is the son of Patrick Jenkin, a Conservative MP and Cabinet minister, who later became a life peer as Baron Jenkin of Roding. Sir Bernard received his education at Highgate School, William Ellis School, and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he earned a BA honours degree in English literature in 1982. During his time at Cambridge, he served as the President of the Cambridge Union Society in 1982.

Sir Bernard's parliamentary career began when he stood for election in Glasgow Central during the 1987 general election, aiming to bring attention to the concerns of people in the south-east regarding Scotland. He was elected as the MP for Colchester North in the 1992 general election and continued his service in the House of Commons when the constituency was re-established as North Essex for the 1997 general election.

Throughout his career, Sir Bernard Jenkin has held several important positions within the Conservative Party. He served as the Shadow Minister for Transport from 1998 to 2001 under William Hague's leadership and as the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence from 2001 to 2003 under Iain Duncan Smith. He also took on the role of Shadow Regions Secretary from 2003 to 2005 under Michael Howard. Furthermore, he has been involved in energy-related matters as the Shadow Energy Minister.Over the years, Sir Bernard Jenkin has been actively involved in parliamentary committees and select committees. In May 2010, he was elected chairman of the Public Administration Select Committee, showcasing his expertise in matters related to public administration. Following the 2015 general election, he became the chairman of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee.