Calls for Mitchell probe rejected

Sep 24 2012

Demands for a full Whitehall investigation into chief whip Andrew Mitchell's angry confrontation with Downing Street police have been rejected.

Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood said he agreed with the Prime Minister that there would not be "any purpose" in a probe after Mr Mitchell apologised for the incident.

In a letter to shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, the civil servant wrote: "There clearly remains a genuine difference of view about what words were actually used.

"But Andrew Mitchell has acknowledged that his words and behaviour were inappropriate and he failed to show proper respect for the police."