31 January 2022
Andrew Mitchell tells PM he no longer has his support

Following the Prime Minister’s statement on the Sue Gray Report, Andrew Mitchell tells the PM that he has been deeply concerned by events at No.10 during lockdown and, after 30 years, he no longer has his support.

Mr Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Coldfield) (Con)

Does my right hon. Friend recall that ever since he joined the party’s candidates list 30 years ago, and until we got him into No. 10, he has enjoyed my full-throated support? But I am deeply concerned by these events, and very concerned indeed by some of the things he has said from that Dispatch Box, and has said to the British public and to our constituents. When he kindly invited me to see him 10 days ago, I told him that I thought he should think very carefully about what was now in the best interests of our country, and of the Conservative party. I have to tell him that he no longer enjoys my support.

The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

I must respectfully tell my right hon. Friend, great though the admiration is that I have for him, that I simply think he is mistaken in his views, and I urge him to reconsider upon full consideration of the inquiry.

Hansard