MP defies his party over ‘plebgate’ row (From Evesham Journal)

MP defies his party over ‘plebgate’ row

8:50pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Tom Edwards

A WORCESTERHIRE MP has said the Government’s chief whip needs to clarify exactly what he said over his ‘plebgate’ row with police.

Peter Luff said Andrew Mitchell needs to clear the air and move on from the embarrassing exchange with officers outside Downing Street.

Despite all Conservative MPs being sent a memo by the party’s HQ asking them not to talk publicly about the row, Mr Luff said his colleague needs to be clear about what has happened.

Mr Mitchell, who is alleged to have called police guarding Number 10 plebs, returned to work at the House of Commons yesterday having survived calls to resign.

Mr Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, said: “He does need to clarify exactly what he has said.

“We need to clear the air over this and move on. It may be that he has forgotten – I’ve lost my temper and sometimes I can’t recall what I said.

“But he should try to tell us exactly what he thinks he said rather than leave it as it is.”

The argument took place last month after police refused to open the Downing Street gates to allow Mr Mitchell to cycle out, and instead asked him to use a side exit.

On Friday, the West Mercia Police Federation attended a meeting with him in his Sutton Coldfield constituency in Birmingham, but it ended with renewed calls for him to resign after he refused to give any details of the exchange.

He has already apologised but has denied saying the word pleb – although he has not revealed what words he believed he used instead.

Both Worcester MP Robin Walker and Harriett Baldwin, who represents West Worcestershire, declined to comment.

The e-mail, from Conservative Central Office to all the party’s MPs, told them to not respond to queries from journalists on the subject.