Sir Bernard Jenkin and Baroness Jenkin of Kennington separate

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin and wife Baroness Jenkin of Kennington have separate after 34 years of marriage.

The pair said they split "months ago" but “will always remain friends”, with Baroness Jenkin also confirming no third party was involved.

In a statement, they said: “It is with much sadness we separated amicably some months ago after 34 years of marriage.

“We have grown apart but will always remain friends. we would like to thank our family and friends for their support.

“This is a personal matter and we ask that everyone respects our privacy.”

The pair tied the knot in 1988 in a ceremony in Terling Place, home of Baroness Jenkin’s brother, Lord Rayleigh and have had two adult sons together.

The couple appeared to enjoy one of the best marriages in Westminster with the Baroness saying her initial meeting with Bernard was “lust at first sight”.

As husband and wife, they have achieved a lot together.

Anne Jenkin was made a life peer in January 2011 as Baroness Jenkin of Kennington, of Hatfield Peverel of her charitable and political work for the Conservative Party.

She was introduced to the House of Lords in the same month, where she sits on the Conservative benches and continues to do so to this day.

Sir Bernard said at the time he was “absolutely thrilled for her”, as she joined his father Lord Jenkin of Roding in the upper chamber.

Several years later, the Baroness accompanied him to his investiture ceremony in 2018, where Sir Bernard was made a knight of the realm by the Princess Royal for his political and public service.

Bernard Jenkin with wife Baroness Jenkin and sons Robert and Peter outside Buckingham Palace (Image: N/A)

The couple was also joined by sons Robert and Peter on the day.

Sir Bernard is also the inspiration for the Bernards who appear in the films by screenwriter and long-time friend of the MP Richard Curtis, who is also a former boyfriend of Baroness Jenkin.