Andrea Jenkyns: MP who made obscene gesture outside Downing Street doubles down and says 'I stood up for myself'

A Yorkshire MP who swore at protestors outside Downing Street this week has doubled down on her decision to make the gesture after receiving death threats.

Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns was filmed giving protestors the finger on Thursday as she passed through the security gate on Whitehall to watch Boris Johnson give his resignation speech.

In a statement on Saturday she said: "On Thursday I went to Downing Street to watch the Prime Minister's resigination speech.

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"A baying mob outside the gates were insulting MPs on their way in as is sadly all too common.

"After receiving huge amounts of abuse from some of the people who were there over the years, and I have also had seven death threats in the past four years. Two of which have been in recent weeks and are currently being investigated by the police, I have reached the end of my tether.

"I responded and stood up for myself. Just why should anyone have to put up with this sort of treatment.

"I should have shown more composure but am only human."

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Watch the moment Yorkshire MP makes obscene gesture at Boris Johnson protestors ...
Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns was filmed giving protestors the finger on Thursday as she passed through the security gate on Whitehall to watch Boris Johnson give his resignation speech.
Photo: Alex ClewlowMorley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns was filmed giving protestors the finger on Thursday as she passed through the security gate on Whitehall to watch Boris Johnson give his resignation speech.
Photo: Alex Clewlow
Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns was filmed giving protestors the finger on Thursday as she passed through the security gate on Whitehall to watch Boris Johnson give his resignation speech. Photo: Alex Clewlow

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Conservative Ms Jenkyns was on Friday promoted to being a minister at the Department of Education.

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On Saturday morning Mark Spencer, the former chief whip, told BBC Breakfast she should "explain herself" but said emotions were "running high."

Asked if the gesture was acceptable, he said: "No, I don’t think it is, to be honest. I don’t seek to condone that at all.

“I mean, Andrea will have to… justify that for herself.

"But I do understand emotions were running pretty high and they were pretty raw on that day."

Ex minister George Freeman said: "Ministers should set the highest standards in office. I’m sorry but this is appalling conduct for a Minister of the Crown. This is exactly why we need a new Prime Minister: to restore the Ministerial code & respect for the responsibilities of service in public office.

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