Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Dominic McGrath
Tuesday 27 June 2023 05:43 BST
Conservative MP Virginia Crosbie (Roger Harris/UK Parliament/PA)
Conservative MP Virginia Crosbie (Roger Harris/UK Parliament/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in