Home Secretary apologises for "unparliamentary language" regarding Stockton MP
James Cleverly said the word he used was in reference to Stockton North's Alex Cunningham
Last updated 23rd Nov 2023
UPDATE: The Labour MP at the centre of a row about the Home Secretary's use of "unparliamentary language" has said James Cleverly is not "fit for such high office".
Mr Cleverly has since apologised after calling Labour MP Alex Cunningham "shit", according to a source close to the Home Secretary.
It followed claims he called Mr Cunningham's Stockton North constituency a "shithole" during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's PM programme, Mr Cunningham said: "I simply don't believe him."
He said Mr Cleverly should come to the Commons and apologise to the people of Stockton.
"He hasn't made an apology to me. His apology is for using unparliamentary language."
The MP added: "But I don't want an apology for him claiming to have insulted me, I want an apology for the people of my communities."
Asked if he believed Mr Cleverly was now lying about the words he had used, Mr Cunningham told the programme: "My colleagues who actually saw the mouth move and hear the words come out, they believe he said that particular expression, and on that basis I don't think he is a person fit for such high office and he really needs to consider what he is going to do about it."
The Home Secretary has apologised for using "unparliamentary language" when he claims he referred to Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham as a "s*** MP".
It follows 24 hours of calls for James Cleverly to say sorry, over claims he referred to Stockton itself as a "s***hole" in Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, in response to a question from Mr Cunningham.
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 s*** 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."
Mr Cleverly had come under pressure to apologise over the alleged Stockton insult, including from a fellow senior Conservative.
Tees Valley's Tory mayor Lord Ben Houchen, who had called on Mr Cleverly to say sorry, welcomed the apology.
"Whatever was said, the speculation dragged Stockton's name through the mud, which is unacceptable.
"We're all human & he's a good guy who made a mistake," he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Rishi Sunak continues to have confidence in the Home Secretary, Number 10 said.
Labour MP Mr Cunningham alleged the comment was made about his constituency during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
Mr Cleverly was accused of making the remark after Mr Cunningham had challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the level of child poverty in his North East seat.
On Wednesday, Mr Cunningham said the audio of the comment was "clear and has been checked and checked and checked again".
Today, Alex Cunningham offered to show James Cleverly around his constituency, after claims the Home Secretary called the area a "shithole".
Mr Cunningham told Sky News: "It's appalling, isn't it? And it's sad as well.
"I mean, it's a wonderful town Stockton... We've got conservation areas, we've got great activities there. You know, it's a great place to live.
"He doesn't know any better. But tell you what, tell him to come to Stockton. I'll show him around, but I'll also introduce him to the people that are in poverty."
The issue was also raised in the Commons on Thursday, with Labour calling for an apology from Mr Cleverly.
Shadow Commons leader Lucy Powell said: "Besmirching another honourable member's constituency goes against all the courtesies of this place and it is utterly disrespectful to their constituents."
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt replied: "With regard to the charge she makes against the Home Secretary, he denies it and I believe him."