‘Plebgate’ MP Andrew Mitchell hints at EU role

Published on 03/03/2013 13:41

Former Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell today hinted that he could be set to make a political come back as Britain’s next European commissioner.

• Andrew Mitchell hints at return to politics as European commissioner

• Mr Mitchell resigned after claims he swore at police and called them ‘plebs’

Mr Mitchell was forced to resign last year over claims he swore at police officers and called them “plebs” after they refused to allow him to cycle through the main gates of Downing Street.

But after evidence emerged casting doubt on the police account, The Mail on Sunday reported Mr Cameron had now offered him the EU post when Baroness Ashton finishes her term as foreign affairs envoy next year.

The offer was said to have been made over a lunch with Mr Cameron and his wife Samantha at the Prime Minister’s official country residence at Chequers - a signal of Mr Mitchell’s political rehabilitation by No 10.

Interviewed on BBC1’s Sunday Politics programme, Mr Mitchell confirmed that he had met Mr Cameron.

“I do see the Prime Minister from time to time,” he said.

He added: “There is a very important job to be done in Europe to make sure that Europe changes in the interests of everyone in Europe but also in the interests of Britain.”