The UK Home Secretary, James Cleverly, has issued an apology after referring to a Labour MP as a "s***" in the House of Commons. Cleverly had faced pressure to say sorry after allegations emerged that he had also described the MP's Stockton North constituency as a "s***hole." However, a source close to Cleverly clarified that his comment was directed at the MP and not the constituency.
Apology for "Unparliamentary Language"
A spokesperson for Cleverly stated, "James made a comment. He called Alex Cunningham a s*** MP. He apologises for unparliamentary language. As was made clear yesterday, he would never criticize Stockton. He’s campaigned in Stockton and is clear that it is a great place."
Pressure Mounts on Home Secretary
Pressure on Cleverly to apologize for the remark about Stockton began to build after Lord Ben Houchen, a fellow Tory and the Tees Valley Mayor, called on him to say sorry. Houchen, however, welcomed Cleverly's apology, asserting that regardless of what was said, speculations about Stockton were unacceptable.
Confidence from Number 10
Number 10 confirmed that Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, continues to have confidence in Cleverly despite the controversy.
Dispute over Comment
The comment allegedly directed at the Stockton North constituency occurred after MP Cunningham questioned Rishi Sunak about child poverty levels during Prime Minister's Questions. Cunningham claims that the audio of the remark has been thoroughly checked and believes that Cleverly should come to the Commons and apologize to the people of Stockton. Cunningham stated, "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."
Image source: Labour MP Alex Cunningham (Stockton North)
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