Andrew Mitchell’s future as Chief Whip is not looking bright thanks to two stories in today’s papers. The first is from the Times, which reports (£) that Mitchell went for two expensive outings on the ‘long and hard day’ the incident occurred. At lunchtime, the Chief Whip visited the Cinnamon Club – a £50-a-head Indian restaurant in Westminster. Later on, after Mitchell rode off from the Downing Street altercation, he visited a Tory private members’ club — the Carlton Club in St — as a guest speaker at a private dinner. Neither will chime with most people’s perception of a long and hard day.
The second story comes from the Telegraph, which has obtained the official police log of the incident. In the transcripts, the reporting officer confirms what was reported a few days ago but Mitchell has remained vague on; that the Chief Whip used the word ‘pleb’ towards officers:
‘There were several members of public present as is the norm opposite the pedestrian gate and as we neared it, Mr Mitchell said: “Best you learn your f—— place…you don’t run this f—— government…You’re f—— plebs.” The members of public looked visibly shocked and I was somewhat taken aback by the language used and the view expressed by a senior government official.
…Mr Mitchell was then silent and left saying “you haven’t heard the last of this” as he cycled off.’
Indeed, it does appear that neither side has heard the last of this matter.
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