Andrew Mitchell to meet his local police force after “plebs” row

Published on 12/10/2012 00:19

Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell will attempt to defuse the rumbling row over his foul-mouthed outburst at the police, by meeting representatives of his local force today.

• Andrew Mitchell denies calling police officers who refused to let him cycle through the main gates at Downing Street “plebs”

• No further action is being taken by police and senior police figures, as well as David Cameron, have said it is time to move on from the affair

• Police officers remain angry and have demanded a full inquiry

The senior Tory, whose decision to pull out of the party’s conference in Birmingham failed to quell speculation over his future in the role, hopes it will help clear the air.

Mr Mitchell has apologised for abusing officers who prevented him cycling through the main gates of Downing Street and no further action is being taken by them.

Prime Minister David Cameron has called for a line to be drawn under the affair and senior police figures have also suggested it was time to move on.

But rank and file officers remain angry that Mr Mitchell continues to dispute the language the officers reported that he used – most controversially calling them “plebs”.

Last month, police officers wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “PC Pleb and Proud” protested outside Mr Mitchell’s constituency office