MPs round on ‘pleb’ minister Andrew Mitchell

Published on 16/10/2012 00:07

TORY chief whip Andrew Mitchell has returned to the Commons front line for the first time since his row with Downing Street police – and was soon reminded of his troubles by Labour MPs.

Mr Mitchell, who sat in his usual place on the end of the government front bench, was flanked by policing and justice minister Damian Green. He showed no expression as senior Labour MP Stephen Timms referred to the government’s “poor relationship” with the Metropolitan Police.

But Mr Mitchell nodded in agreement as Home Office minister James Brokenshire praised the “greatest police force in the world”.

Mr Mitchell could face a Commons vote. Labour is tabling a motion calling for him to be docked £1,000 from his salary – roughly the amount he could have been fined for swearing at a police officer. The move is also the traditional way of triggering a vote of no confidence in a minister.

Mr Mitchell has denied calling officers “plebs” on September 19, though he has conceded he swore.