Alex Cunningham questions Rishi Sunak on child poverty
James Cleverly has been urged to apologise by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen over allegations he called Stockton North a “s***hole”.
The Home Secretary was accused of making the remark, which he denies, during Prime Minister’s Question yesterday after Labour MP Alex Cunningham challenged Rishi Sunk over the level of child poverty in his constituency in the North East.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Mr Houchen said: “I’m not interested in excuses and I will always put our area above party politics, and it is clear to me that the Home Secretary should apologise for dragging Stockton’s name through the mud.
“Having made huge progress in recent years with major investment, thousands of jobs and Teesside forging a brighter future in the industries of the future including a new era of steelmaking, this type of language only furthers the outdated and inaccurate stereotypes we’ve battled for years.
“We’re a wonderful place and a passionate and proud community, and people across the world are looking at the exciting future that is emerging before us.
“But childish and unprofessional language used by Westminster politicians, who should know better, does nothing to help our plans for progress.”
Making a point of order in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Cunningham demanded an apology from Mr Cleverly.
He said: “Before the Prime Minister answered, the Home Secretary chose to add in his pennyworth.
“Yes, I have contacted his office advising him I planned to name him, but sadly he has chosen not to be in the chamber.
“He was seen and heard to say ‘because it’s a s***hole’. I know he is denying being the culprit, but the audio is clear and has been checked, and checked, and checked again.
“There is no doubt that these comments shame the Home Secretary, this rotten Government, and the Tory Party. He is clearly unfit for his high office.”
But Mr Cleverly has denied making the derogatory remark about Stockton North.
His spokesman said: “He did not say that, and would not. He’s disappointed people would accuse him of doing so.”
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