HOME Secretary Priti Patel has accused a Tory 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 MP argued 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 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.”

Earlier in the day, Ms Patel said action should be taken against “egregious breaches” of coronavirus rules this Christmas and said she would inform the police if she saw people breaching coronavirus laws.

Asked if there should be a punishment for Mr Ellwood, Ms Patel said: “There are fixed-penalty 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.”

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.

“The PM has been clear throughout the pandemic that it’s vital for everybody to abide by the rules in order to suppress the virus and therefore protect the NHS and save lives.”

Mr Ellwood attended the event the day after he told the Commons that allowing families to meet over Christmas “could be very dangerous indeed”, and he suggested the relaxation of rules over the festive period could lead to a “third wave”.

In a statement, Mr Ellwood said he “gleaned extremely useful intelligence” about the issues on the ground in the Middle East during the “business reception/dinner”.

Mr Ellwood insisted “the rules weren’t breached” when asked if he would consider his position as a select committee chairman.

He suggested the Home Secretary should contact the Cavalry and Guards Club first before deciding whether he should be fined for his actions.

He added: “The event took place at the Cavalry and Guards Club under strict Covid compliant conditions.

“I appreciate, given the current challenges, some will question the wisdom of my attendance.

“I am sorry coverage of my well intentioned attendance may have muddled the Government’s clear message as we head towards Christmas.”