New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
27 November 2014updated 24 Jul 2021 1:57am

Plebgate: Andrew Mitchell loses his libel trial, which rules he did say the words alleged

The judge has ruled that former Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell did say the word "pleb", or something close to it, in his libel trial against the Sun's owners over the Plebgate scandal.

By Anoosh Chakelian

The former Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell has lost his libel trial against News Group Newspapers, the Sun‘s publisher, over the MP’s alleged words at the Downing Street gates in 2012, an event now known as Plebgate.

The judge ruled that he “did speak the words alleged”.

Mitchell was suing the publisher over its newspaper’s claims that he called a policeman guarding No 10, PC Toby Rowland, a “pleb”. He denied using the terms attributed to him by PC Rowland, who is now suing Mitchell over his claims that the officer made up the quotes.

The judge described the Tory MP’s account of the events that evening as “inconsistent” with CCTV evidence and said PC Rowland was “not the sort of man” to have the “wit, imagination or inclination” to invent such a tale of what the then senior government politician said to him.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
Can green energy solutions deliver for nature and people?
"Why wouldn't you?" Joining the charge towards net zero
The road to clean power 2030