Mitchell to sue The Sun for libel over its reporting of 'plebgate'

Andrew Mitchell, the MP who resigned his cabinet role following the "plebgate" affair, is suing The Sun newspaper for libel, it has emerged.

The Government's former Chief Whip admits to swearing at police in Downing Street last September but maintains he never used the politically toxic term "plebs".

The Conservative MP has reportedly sent the tabloid a "letter before action", putting it on notice he intends to sue over its reporting of the matter. The Sun wrote on 22 September about the row Mr Mitchell had with police over taking his bicycle through Downing Street's main gates.

"We are seeking damages, an apology, an undertaking that the words complained of are not repeated, and costs," Mr Mitchell's lawyer, Graham Atkins, said last night.

The Sun's parent company, News International, declined to comment last night in "view of legal action".