Colleagues rally to defend Chief Whip

JUSTICE SECRETARY Chris Grayling has defended Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell in the face of sustained calls for him to be sacked over disputed claims he called police officers “plebs” in a foul-mouthed outburst.

Labour has renewed demands on Prime Minister David Cameron to axe him after an attempted “clear the air” meeting with local police representatives ended with them saying his position was “untenable”.

Mr Grayling described the incident as “very unfortunate”, but he argued it was “a mistake for the Police Federation to be trying to use this in the way that they are”.

Emerging from Friday’s meeting in Mr Mitchell’s Sutton Coldfield constituency, the chairman of the West Mercia federation Ken Mackaill accused the senior politician of questioning police integrity.

Although he admits swearing when he was refused access through the Downing Street gates on his bicycle, and has apologised personally to the officer involved, Mr Mitchell denies calling the officers who bore the brunt of his outburst “plebs”.

That is at odds with the officer’s written log of the outburst.

Mr Grayling said: “His conduct was unaccept- able he’s accepted that, he’s apologised. I think really the matter should be left there — he’s issued a full public apology.”

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has also rallied to his colleague’s defence, accusing the Police Fed- eration of trying to “hijack” the row.

Conser vative Par ty chairman Grant Shapps was asked how many MPs had said Mr Mitchell should go, and replied: “I cannot recall a single MP who has come to me.”

Picture: PA. Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell.