James Cleverly denies calling Labour MP’s constituency a ‘s***hole’

Alex Cunningham questions Rishi Sunak on child poverty

James Cleverly has denied an allegation that he called a Labour MP’s constituency a “s***hole”.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham claimed the Home Secretary made the comment during Prime Minister’s Questions.

The remark was picked up on a microphone in the Commons when Mr Cunningham challenged Rishi Sunak on why there is child poverty in his seat in the North East, but it is unclear who said it.

Making a point of order in the Commons later on Wednesday, the Labour MP pointed the finger at Mr Cleverly and demanded an apology.

Mr Cunningham said: “Before the Prime Minister answered, the Home Secretary chose to add in his pennyworth.

“Yes, I have contacted his office advising him I planned to name him, but sadly he has chosen not to be in the chamber.

“He was seen, and heard to say ‘because it’s a s***hole’.

“I know he is denying being the culprit, but the audio is clear and has been checked, and checked, and checked again.

“There is no doubt that these comments shame the Home Secretary, this rotten Government, and the Tory Party. He is clearly unfit for his high office.”

He asked how he would secure an apology from the Home Secretary for “his appalling insult and foul language”.

Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing said it was her understanding that Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle “didn’t hear any remark of the kind from the chair at the time when the honourable gentleman was asking his question”.

She said: “I understand that the alleged words were not actually used, though I appreciate what he says.

“But I think we all know that it’s very difficult in the noisy atmosphere of Prime Minister’s Questions to discern exactly what someone says. So I can make no judgment here from the chair as to what was or wasn’t said.”

She said she understood Mr Cunningham’s concern, and added: “I would remind all honourable members of the need for good temper and moderation in the language they use in this chamber.”

Mr Cleverly’s spokesman said: “He did not say that, and would not. He’s disappointed people would accuse him of doing so.”

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