Andrew Mitchell's 'Plebgate' bicycle in charity auction
Andrew Mitchell rides his bicycle around Westminster Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire
The former International Development Secretary and Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell has donated his bike to a charity auction. The sale of his bike will raise funds for Nyumbani UK who works with children affected by HIV and Aids in Kenya.
Mr Mitchell's bike was made infamous when he was stopped from riding it across the cobbles outside Number 10 and had an altercation with a police officer as a result.
The cost of investigating how allegations that Mr Mitchell allegedly called a police officer a "pleb" has reached more than £140,000.
IPCC urges Mitchell to let police get on with inquiry
The police watchdog has replied to former chief whip Andrew Mitchell's letter, where he voiced concerns over the apparent leaking of a report into the 'plebgate' scandal.
Deputy Chair of the IPCC Deborah Glass has replied:
While this does not rule out the possibility of the MPS file having been leaked, it also raises other possibilities, either that someone who may have been connected to the investigation or in possession of material had a conversation with a reporter, or that the author/s of the articles were reporting speculatively – I note, for example, the references in both stories to “…it is understood that..."
While I fully understand your concerns about these press reports, it appears to me that the public interest is best served by ensuring that the MPS [Met Police] are indeed carrying out a robust and thorough investigation into the initial incident and its aftermath.
Andrew Mitchell claims police officers have lied over the 'Plebgate' incident. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Scotland Yard is investigating how the Sun and the Daily Telegraph got hold of information about “Plebgate” and whether there was a leak from police.
Andrew Mitchell’s claims that police lied in the log of the event and a police officer's claim to have witnessed the altercation are also being looked into by Scotland Yard.
Three officers have so far been arrested as part of the investigation.
Papers related to the case were passed to prosecutors on Thursday.
A number of newspapers have reported that the file does not contain evidence that officers lied about an altercation with Mitchell in Downing Street.
Mitchell tells IPCC: ‘Deeply dismayed’ at Met Police
Andrew Mitchell, who has made a former complaint against Scotland Yard over the alleged leaking of its “Plebgate” report, has strongly criticised the Met’s handling of the situation.
In a letter to IPCC deputy chairman Deborah Glass, he wrote:
We are deeply dismayed that the Metropolitan Police appear to have leaked part of their Report prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to certain members of the Press and spun it to the advantage of the Police officers involved.
This was an Enquiry into a dishonest and illicit attempt to blacken my name and destroy my career. It would appear that this police enquiry continues precisely that process.
Mitchell makes formal complaint against Scotland Yard
Andrew Mitchell has issued a libel writ against the Sun over the 'Plebgate' affair. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Andrew Mitchell, the former Cabinet Minister, has made a formal complaint against Scotland Yard over the alleged leaking of its report into the “Plebgate” affair.
Mitchell made the move after Friday’s newspapers suggested a police file handed to the Crown Prosecution Service contained no proof that police officers lied about the incident.
The Tory MP has written to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) accusing the Metropolitan Police of a continued campaign to "destroy" his career.
Andrew Mitchell considers 'other actions' over Plebgate
Andrew Mitchell has issued a libel writ against the Sun. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Andrew Mitchell's lawyer has confirmed that the MP has taken legal action against the Sun and indicated that "other potential actions" were being considered.
Graham Atkins said: "I can confirm that I recently issued proceedings for libel against the owners of The Sun on behalf of Andrew Mitchell MP.
"There are a number of other potential actions being considered but I do not intend commenting any further at this stage."
Andrew Mitchell tries to clear his name after 'Plebgate'
Former chief whip Andrew Mitchell has begun legal proceedings to clear his name following the "Plebgate" scandal.
The Conservative MP is suing The Sun over its reporting of his infamous row with officers in Downing Street as a file investigating police involvement in the incident is passed to prosecutors.
ITV News' Political Correspondent Alex Forrest reports:
Report: No evidence of police lies in 'Plebgate' file
There is no evidence that officers lied about an altercation with Andrew Mitchell in Downing Street contained in the police file handed to the Crown Prosecution Service, The Guardian has reported.
The newspaper said it is understood there is nothing in the file to support a claim that Met police officers were involved in an conspiracy to frame the former chief whip.
Mitchell notified The Sun about legal action last month
Andrew Mitchell said he had been the subject of "a campaign of vilification". Credit: PA Wire
Andrew Mitchell's lawyers sent The Sun a "letter before action" last month, putting it on notice that the Conservative MP intended to sue.
At the time, his lawyer Graham Atkins told The Guardian: "We are seeking damages, an apology, an undertaking that the words complained of are not repeated, and costs."
The newspaper was the first to break the story of Mr Mitchell's row with the officers at Downing Street, which became known as the "Plebgate" scandal.
