At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

I am just surprised he thought he could stay after his outburst outside No.10.

"The meaning of Plebgate

The word ‘pleb’ is not always negative and abusive – it can indicate pride in being a member of the common classes, a free citizen and not a slave. (I don't think Andrew Mitchell was attaching this definition to the word pleb.)

However, Mitchell used it with the invective of public school prefects. His nickname at Rugby School (‘Thrasher’) and military experience indicate a personality that expects obedience.

If that is the case, it was probably why he was appointed Chief Whip by David Cameron in the first place - effective House of Commons Whips have to be tough disciplinarians.

Mitchell also damaged a positive image earned in international development in both opposition and government.

Plebgate matters because it reveals what conservative politicians think of society.

Cameron’s choice

The danger for Cameron was twofold. As Chief Whip, Mitchell had lost authority and the government needed tighter control of backbenchers.

Also, his presence on the front line of politics conveyed privilege, arrogance and disregard for ordinary citizens. Plus verbal abuse on such a trivial matter with police officers amplifies this even more.

Mitchell’s actions served as a focus for claims that the coalition government is creating a more divided and unequal society based on different rules for rich and poor in a period of austerity.

Mitchell’s resignation makes Cameron look weak and a poor judge of character. Impressions can lead to political disaster - remember Gordon Brown.

Cameron needed to decide which option was the least damaging and there will be some speculation on whether Mitchell fell or was pushed.

Miliband’s chance

For Labour, the longer Mitchell was in position the better . He was a gift that kept on giving, especially after Miliband’s effective appropriation of Disraeli’s ‘one nation’ at the Labour Party Conference.

Miliband wanted to draw blood gradually, maximising the impact of plebgate, so the Conservatives are permanently seen as the party of the few.

Some call his position Blue Labour but in practice it positions Labour to attract disillusioned Liberal Democrat voters and attract some conservative leaning voters in marginal constituencies.

The development of progressive nationalism in Labour Party’s policy review and the influence of writers such as Tim Soutphommasane, emphasise collective identity while still outdoing the Conservatives on issues such as immigration.

Cameron’s improved performance was partly delivered by detoxifying the Conservative Party but, as the Big Society fades away and public spending cuts bite, much of that work has been undone.

Mitchell’s situation provided an opportunity for Miliband to develop his message of a society united, in direct contrast to the Tory leadership as elitist, out of touch and uncaring.

Perhaps, Miliband can also make hay while the sun shines over George Osbourne’s embarrassment on the train from Wilmslow to London. After plebgate, maybe ticketgate? "

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

Just imagine if a police officer had said something similar to an MP, I wonder how long the officer would have survived

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

He should have resigned immediately or Cameron should have shown some backbone for once and sacked him. I despair of this government and the current crop of MPs, they are an absolute embarrassment...

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

Meg and Barry...I couldn't agree more.
There was no need for his outburst, arrogant man.

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

In recent times the poilce have been shown to act disgracefully after the Hillsborough disaster and the death of a protester at the G4 summit. Now a former senior police officer has commited suicide before being due to appear in court for perverting the course of justice.

The police should be putting their own house in order instead of blowing this incident out of all proportions. I think that they were simply 'out to get' somebody.

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

I agree that the police on that day probably behaved like petty jobsworths and aren't entirely smelling of roses, but a senior government minister should be very aware of his vulnerabilities and, by his own good manners, avoid these potentially embarrassing and politically damaging situations.

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

I agree he should have gone straight away but the stupid unions and Labour are trying to score brownie points.

The man apologised, the apology was accepted, end of story normally but unions and Labour would sooner play like a 5yrs old in the school yard than help the coalition try to get Britain our of the mess they left it in.

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

Oh really Bob??? - Wasn't Labour that were baying for his blood, but his own back-bench. Are these now the 5 yr olds in the school yard????

There was a song adopted by the American Socialists during the great depression entitled "Halleluyah I'm a Bum". Perhaps we ought to amend that to Halleluyah I'm a Pleb".

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

Wrong again Joe, it was Ken Mackaill chairman of the West Mercia Police federation and Puppet, Ed Millibrand who watned Andrew Mitchell sacked.

Re: At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone

And they were dead right, he should have been sacked the moment he lied.