LONDON (AFP): — The Telegraph published on Tuesday what it said was the full police log of a now-notorious row between government Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell and Downing Street officers, which records him calling them "plebs".
The log says that in the September 19 incident, Mitchell tried to cycle out of the street's vehicle gate when an officer told him to use a different exit, but Mitchell refused, "repeatedly reiterating he was the chief whip".
"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 recording police officer wrote, according to the newspaper.
"The members of (the) public looked visibly shocked and I was somewhat taken aback by the language used and the view expressed by a senior government official," it adds.
"I warned Mr MITCHELL that he should not swear, and if he continued to do so I would have no option but to arrest him under the Public Order Act."
The Conservative politician has denied using this language, first reported in the Sun, but admitted failing to treat police with "the respect they deserve" and has apologised to the officers involved.
Prime Minister David Cameron has resisted calls for an inquiry, including from the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, but the controversy has refused to die down.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, of junior coalition partners the Liberal Democrats, called Monday for Mitchell to explain himself fully.
At a time of recession and tough cuts to state spending, the alleged use of "plebs", a Roman word for non-aristocrats, has chimed with opposition accusations that the government favours big business and the rich.
Mitchell has also said the row took place "at the end of a long and extremely frustrating day", but under the headline "Spindaloo", the Sun on Tuesday says the day included "a gruelling sesh at UK's poshest curry house".
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