Plebgate: Did PM Leave Mitchell Out To Dry?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/plebgate-andrew-mitchells-camp-turns-its-guns-on-david-cameron-8429559.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgxN_cHmdnU&feature=g-crec-f&list=FL2ymvZ08BCNBu9utNKZFoPA
http://www.channel4.com/news/plebgate-row-exclusive-cctv-video-footage

It all looked like an open-and-shut case in September.

The newly-promoted Chief Whip, Andrew Mitchell was accused of swearing at the police and calling them 'plebs'; he was branded a complete embarassment to David Cameron's more open and accessible Tory Party.

Now CCTV footage has emerged that shows that Mr Mitchell did not engage in any tirade with the police at the gates of Downing Street that day. And more disturbingly, contrary to the account given by the police on duty, there were not, as previously stated, several bystanders at the gates who witnessed the whole incident.

Of course an enquiry into the affair is yet to take place, but Mr Mitchell's supporters have accused the Prime Minister of not standing by him and basically looking on as the ex-Chief Whip hanged out to dry.

Whatever side of the political fence one is on, the scenario of an innocent man being stitched up by the police is absolutely appalling. Yes, officers are angry with the Coalition at proposals to cut police numbers, but that is absolutely no reason to deliberately ruin the reputation and career of a hard-working cabinet minister.

Very significantly the whole episode throws the spotlight squarely on the Prime Minister.

According to the Independent, Mr Cameron has known about the footage that would undoubtedly undermine the police's version of events, for at least three months.

What does that say about the integrity of this government? And indeed all those who were so quick to make political capital out of Mr Mitchell's predicament?

Labour leader Ed Miliband immediately jumped on the bandwagon, using the platform of PMQs  to directly accuse Mr Mitchell of using the word 'plebs'.

In my opinion, should any enquiry completely clear Mr Mitchell of any wrong doing, Mr Miliband should immediately apologise to him, as should those in the Police Federation who so hastily called for the Chief Whip to be sacked.

Perhaps with hindsight, Mr Mitchell's decision to stay away from the Tory Party Conference, was a mistake.  It simply made him look guilty. But after all, there is a world of difference between muttering 'I thought you guys were supposed to f...king help us' and shouting at the police that 'you're all f...king plebs' and 'you should know your.. place'.

If the enquiry officially clears Mr Mitchell, then I and all those commentators and politicians who called for his sacking owe him a huge apology.

Mr Mitchell should then in my view, immediately be re-instated as a Cabinet Minister.