Home Secretary sorry for derogatory MP jibe but denies slur aimed at Stockton

WorldPolitics
23 Nov 2023 • 10:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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James Cleverly has apologised for using “unparliamentary language” after calling a Labour MP “shit”, a source close to the Home Secretary said.

Mr Cleverly has been under pressure to say sorry following claims he called Alex Cunningham’s Stockton North constituency a “shithole”.

But a source close to Mr Cleverly said his off-the-cuff remark in the Commons had been directed towards the MP, rather than his constituency.

“James made a comment. He called Alex Cunningham a shit MP. He apologises for unparliamentary language,” the source said.

“As was made clear yesterday, he would never criticise Stockton. He’s campaigned in Stockton and is clear that it is a great place.”