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  1. Politics
19 October 2012

Andrew Mitchell resigns as Chief Whip

The fallout from "Plebgate" claims Mitchell, four weeks on, as he admits telling Downing Street police "I thought you guys were supposed to f***ing help us".

By New Statesman

The news has just broken that Andrew Mitchell has resigned as Chief Whip.

Number 10 announced on Twitter that David Cameron had accepted the resignation.

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Below is Mitchell’s resignation letter in which he admits that he swore at the police, but denies calling them “plebs”.

In his response to Mitchell, David Cameron said:

Thank you for your letter. I was sorry to receive it, but I understand why you have reached the conclusion you have, and why you have decided to resign from the Government.

I regret that this has become necessary, and am very grateful for all you have done, both in Government and in Opposition – as well as for the kind words in your letter.

As we discussed in advance of the reshuffle, I wanted you to bring your organisational skill and energy to the important job of chief whip. It was clear to me that you had already made a strong start.

As you have acknowledged, the incident in Downing Street was no acceptable and you were right to apologise for it.

You have much to be proud of from your service on the frontbench both in opposition and in government, and in your continued service to your constituents in Sutton Coldfield. I hope that, in time, you will be able to make a further contribution to public life.

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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 Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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