Andrew Mitchell calls for inquiry into ‘plebgate’

FORMER Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell has called for a full inquiry into the “plebgate” row which cost him his job.

He claimed last night that the dispute was sparked by a police officer who posed as a member of the public and falsely claimed to have witnessed the events.

The officer allegedly wrote to his MP, John Randall – who was also Mr Mitchell’s deputy in the government whips’
office – giving details of the chief whip’s behaviour when he was blocked from cycling out of the main gates in Downing Street in September.

The e-mail said Mr Mitchell had sworn repeatedly and called the officers on guard “plebs”.

The developments came as Channel 4 News showed footage of Mr Mitchell from the night of the incident. Although there is no sound, the MP can be seen talking to three officers by the main gate for about 
20 seconds. He then wheels his bicycle over to the side gate and exits through it.

Footage from other cameras suggests there were few members of the public passing by at the time, apparently contradicting the police logs which were later leaked to the media.

Mr Mitchell has accepted swearing at the police officer, but denies calling him a “pleb”.