James Cleverly issues Commons apology for 'inappropriate language'

James Cleverly has apologised in the House of Commons for using "inappropriate language" about a Labour MP but denied he used a derogatory term to describe Stockton North.

The home secretary has faced allegations he used a swearword to describe the Labour-run area.

Addressing the controversy directly for the first time, Mr Cleverly said he "would never" insult Stockton.

He said he used the term to describe the constituency's MP, Alex Cunningham.

Following claims he called the Stockton North constituency a "shithole", Mr Cleverly said: "For the avoidance of doubt... I did not, would not and would never make such comments about his constituency."

Responding to a point of order raised by Mr Cunningham, the home secretary said: "I know what I said. I rejected the accusation that I criticised his constituency.

"My criticism, which I made from a sedentary position, about the honourable gentleman used inappropriate language for which I apologise.

"But I will not accept that my criticism was of his constituency because it was not."

A source close to Mr Cleverly had previously admitted he used "unparliamentary" language to describe Mr Cunningham but denied he had criticised Stockton.

Making a statement in the House of Commons raises the stakes for Mr Cleverly. If a minister knowingly misleads the house this is a serious breach of the Ministerial Code and they are expected to offer their resignation.

Mr Cunningham called the home secretary's claims "untrue".

Speaking in the House of Commons the Labour MP said Mr Cleverly "hasn't the guts to admit to his appalling remark about my Stockton North constituency from the frontbench and apologise to the people I have the privilege of representing".

Mr Cleverly used a swearword while present during Prime Minister's Questions on 22 November.

Mr Cunningham had asked the PM: "Why are 34% of children in my constituency living in poverty?"

After his question, a voice can be heard using a derogatory term.

Raising the issue in the Commons later that day, Mr Cunningham 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 shithole'.

"I know he is denying being the culprit, but the audio is clear and has been checked, and checked, and checked again."