James Cleverly admits calling Labour MP ‘unparliamentary’ word

James Cleverly has admitted he used “unparliamentary” language to describe a Labour MP, a close source has said. 

The source said on Thursday: “James made a comment. He called Alex Cunningham a shit MP. He apologises for unparliamentary language.”

But Cunningham said it was “simply not true,” adding he did not “believe it.” 

The alleged comments came during PMQs. 

Cunningham had asked: “Why are 34% of children in my constituency living in poverty?”

The audio suggests Cleverly said: “because it’s a shithole.” 

The James Cleverly source however claims the comment wasn’t about the constituency and instead about the MP. 

Cunningham was back in the Commons later that 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 shithole’.

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