The Upcoming
  • Cinema & Tv
    • Movie reviews
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Tribeca
      • Sundance London
      • Cannes
      • Locarno
      • Venice
      • London
      • Toronto
    • Show reviews
  • Music
    • Live music
  • Food & Drinks
    • News & Features
    • Restaurant & bar reviews
    • Interviews & Recipes
  • Theatre
  • Art
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Literature
  • Fashion & Beauty
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
  • Join us
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

Archive

Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell resigns over Plebgate‏

Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell resigns over Plebgate‏
20 October 2012
Abbie Cavendish
Avatar
Abbie Cavendish
20 October 2012

Andrew Mitchell has resigned from his post as the government’s chief whip amongst claims that he referred to police officers as “plebs” and “morons” in 10 Downing Street.

Mr Mitchell has continued to deny his use of the words attributed to him in relation to policemen. He conceded that he had in fact, sworn at a policeman, who had then gone on to accept his apology, but insisted he would not have used such derogatory terms. 

He wrote in his letter of resignation: “I have made clear to you – and I give you my categorical assurance again – that I did not, never have and never would call a police officer a ‘pleb’ or a ‘moron’ or use any of the other pejorative descriptions attributed to me.”

Prime Minister David Cameron responded to the letter, saying that Mr Mitchell was right to apologise for swearing at a policeman, but said that he regretted that Mitchell would have to resign. 

He said: “I understand why you have reached the conclusion you have, and why you have decided to resign from the government. I regret that this has become necessary, and I am very grateful for all you have done, both in government and in opposition – as well as for the kind words in your letter.“

Mr Mitchell has received an outpouring of support from fellow Conservative members, with many coming forward to praise his work in politics.

Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith wrote on Twitter: “Andrew Mitchell should be remembered as the best Development Secretary this country has had.” 

However, the resignation has drawn comment from Labour MPs, concerned about why action against Mr Mitchell was not taken earlier.

Labour’s shadow cabinet office minister, Michael Dugher, said: “After weeks in complete denial, Andrew Mitchell has finally bowed to public pressure. What people will want to know is why, when the entire country could see that what Andrew Mitchell did was wrong, the prime minister totally failed to act.”

Education secretary Michael Gove responded by saying that it was the prime minister’s belief in his politicians that made him such a strong leader, saying: “He believes in backing those who work for him.”

Mr Mitchell has been replaced by 71-year-old old Etonian Sir George Young, who departed his post as leader of the Commons after the summer cabinet reshuffle.

Abbie Cavendish 

Related Items

More in Archive

Achieve timeless elegance this S/S 2014 with S.I.L.K.

Ellie Owen
Read More

Bespoke jewellery by Charlotte Tamar

Niten Thakor
Read More

Enjoy designer luxury with Alexis Smith Lingerie’s A/W 2013 collection

Ellie Owen
Read More

Embrace vibrancy and colour with PPQ this winter

Ellie Owen
Read More

Kenzo Metallics adds the sparkle to you Christmas wardrobe

Niten Thakor
Read More

A Christmas alternative: Cranberry and Orange Jeweled Nut Bake

Bethany Stone
Read More

An Austique shopping guide: your one-stop shop for last minute gifts

Christianna Pugliese
Read More

A comforting twist to designer heels

Michelle McGill
Read More

Iain Duncan Smith condemned for refusing to meet with Trussell Trust

Abbie Cavendish
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap
  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • Albert Adrià reopens Enigma on 7 June as a “fun-dining” restaurant and cocktail bar
    Food & Drinks
  • The Road Dance
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Paolo Nutini at the 100 Club
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Crimes of the Future: Three new clips from David Cronenberg’s dystopian body horror film
    Cannes
  • The Innocents
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Marcel!
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • More than Ever (Plus que Jamais)
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • Plan 75
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • Enys Men
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • The Stranger
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • More than Ever (Plus que Jamais)
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • Plan 75
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
  • Dirty Dancing the Movie in concert at Apollo Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Feminine Power: The Divine to the Demonic at the British Museum
    ★★★★★
    Art
  • Eo (Hi-Han)
    ★★★★★
    Cannes
The Upcoming
Pages
  • Contact us
  • Join mailing list
  • Join us
  • Our London food map
  • Our writers
  • Support us
  • What, when, why
With the support from:
International driving license

Copyright © 2011-2020 FL Media

Vietto: creativity meets ecological commitment
National Design winners 2012 discuss innovation