Andrew Mitchell has resigned as government chief whip after weeks of pressure over a confrontation with police officers in Downing Street. The Tory MP admitted swearing at officers but again denied calling them 'plebs'.
In a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, Mitchell said 'damaging publicity' meant he could no longer do his job. Cameron, who had stood by Mitchell, accepted the resignation, saying he 'understood' the decision.
Former Commons leader Sir George Young will replace Mitchell as chief whip. The resignation marks the end of a 25-year political career for the Sutton Coldfield MP, who was promoted from international development secretary in September's cabinet reshuffle.
The row began when Mitchell was stopped by armed police from cycling through the main Downing Street gate. He was reported to have used foul language and told officers to 'learn your place'. Mitchell apologised for swearing but maintained he did not use the word 'plebs'.
The Police Federation and Labour had led calls for Mitchell to go, and his fate was sealed after deputy chief whip John Randall reportedly threatened to quit in protest at Mitchell's refusal to step down. Shadow cabinet office minister Michael Dugher said Cameron was left 'profoundly weak and totally out of touch'.
