Details of an encounter between Andrew Mitchell and Downing Street police officers on the night before the Plebgate incident can be disclosed today.
A Metropolitan Police e-mail reveals that officers on Britain’s most closely guarded street had asked for advice on how to handle his repeated demands to be allowed to cycle through the main gates, in contravention of the security rules.
Less than a day before his now infamous confrontation with officers, the e-mail said that the gates had been opened for Mr Mitchell when he allegedly insisted: “I am the Government Chief Whip and I will be leaving via these gates.”
It was written by a constable to the police inspector at Downing Street at 00.48 on September 19, 2012. The officer said