David Cameron calls for line to be drawn under Mitchell Plebgate row

After calls from Labour and the Metropolitan Police Federation chairman John Tully for an investigation into the outburst, Mr Cameron's spokesman has responded saying the PM feels a line should now be drawn under the affair.

Chief Whip Mr Mitchell apologised for a second time this morning, saying: “We should all respect the police, they do an incredibly difficult job. I have apologised to the police I have apologised to the police officer involved on the gate and he has accepted my apology and I hope we can draw a line under it there."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has also waded into the debate, saying he believed Mr Mitchell should "fully explain himself" in the wake of the fresh revelations.

He was referring to The Sun's report that in an official record of the events, Mr Mitchell used the word ‘pleb’ and repeatedly swore at the officer. The senior Tory maintains he did not used the words that have been attributed to him.