Claims party whip reduced MP to tears are ‘simply not true’

CLAIMS a Tory whip had made a potential Brexit rebel cry were categorically denied by Downing Street last night.

A report suggested an unnamed MP – who sources said was Vicky Ford – was ‘reduced to tears’ by the ‘bully-boy tactics’.

But the Prime Minister’s spokesman said the claim was ‘simply not true’.

The Mail understands a conversation took place in a corridor, between Mrs Ford, Chief Whip Julian Smith, whip Chris Heaton-Harris and a senior government official.

Leading rebel Anna Soubry told the London Evening Standard the MP was left in distress, while another MP said: ‘The person was left shaken and upset. These were bully-boy tactics.’

But sources last night described former MEP Mrs Ford’s meeting with as ‘genial’, and last night she voted with the government.

Mr Smith is understood to be furious with the claim and has suggested he could sue anyone who makes defamatory claims about the whips’ activities.

Mr Heaton-Harris and Mrs Ford did not respond to requests for comment.