Patel accuses MP of breaching rules
Home Secretary Priti Patel has accused a Tor y MP of breaching coronavirus rules by attending a Christmas dinner for 27 guests.
Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, apologised on Thursday after it emerged he gave a speech at the Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly hours before London entered Tier 3.
The Bournemouth East MPargu ed the Iraq Britain Business Council event, described on the organisers' website as a "Christmas party", was "fully Covid compliant" and he said he attended for business purposes as permitted under Tier 2 rules.
But, in comments backed by Downing Street, his Conservative colleague Ms Patel suggested he could face a fine for his attendance at Tuesday's event.
Asked by IT V News if his actions were an "egregious" breach of the rules, Ms Patel said: "Well, it is. Of course it is exactly that.
"Having dinner outside of the rules with a large number of people is a breach of the regulations."
Asked if there should be a punishment, Ms Patel said: "There are fixed-pen alty notices. I don't know the details as to where this happened or the location, but I'm sure, as it is a breach, that will be followed up."
But she declined to say whether it is a disciplinary matter for the party, acknowledging "I simply do not know the full details".
Asked about Mr Ellwood, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said :" I would point you to the Home Secretary's words.