James Cleverly apologises for calling Labour MP 's***' in brutal Commons snub

A source close to the Home Secretary told the Times: "He apologises for unparliamentary language.

"He would never criticise Stockton. He is clear it is a great place."

Cunningham claimed the comment was used during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday after he challenged Rishi Sunak over child poverty levels in the constituency.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Cunningham asked Sunak: "Why are 34 per cent of children in my constituency living in poverty?"

He claimed the Home Secretary could then be heard making a derogatory remark about his constituency.

Giving a point of order later in the day, he said: "Before the Prime Minister answered, the Home Secretary chose to add in his pennyworth.

"He was seen and heard to say 'because it's a s*** hole'.

"Yes, I have contacted his office advising him I planned to name him, but sadly he has chosen not to be in the chamber.

"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."

At the time, Cleverly's spokesperson said: "He did not say that, and would not.

"He's disappointed people would accuse him of doing so."

Earlier today, Shadow Commons Leader Lucy Powell called for Cleverly to issue an apology.

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She asked Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt: "Does she agree with me that besmirching another honourable member's constituency goes against all the courtesies of this place and it is utterly disrespectful to their constituents?"

She added: "This sort of foul language may be accurate when describing government policy, but it is not for the great town of Stockton."

But Mordaunt responded that Cleverly denies making the remark, adding: "I believe him".