Tory MP Clifton-Brown told to leave conference after ‘totally unacceptable’ altercation
It’s all kicking off at the Conservative party conference.
While the gloves might be off metaphorically in Westminster, in Manchester MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown was involved in a real-life altercation with a delegate this afternoon.
Authorities put the press room on lock down during the kerfuffle, meaning journalists could not get to the incident, in the International Lounge, until it was all but over.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene.
Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 1:45pm on Tuesday 1 October, an attendee to the Conservative Party Conference attempted to enter the International Lounge Area of the conference without a relevant pass.
“Security staff intervened and resolved the situation without any breach of security occuring.”
A Conservative party spokesman called the incident “totally unacceptable”.
“Geoffrey has been asked to leave Conference and we are establishing all of the facts to see if further action is necessary. We will always adopt a zero tolerance approach to any inappropriate behaviour towards our hardworking staff.”
Clifton-Brown has been the MP for The Cotswolds since 1992 and was knighted last year. He is the treasurer of the backbench 1922 committee.
City A.M. understands that Clifton-Brown had tried to bring somebody into the international lounge, but they lacked the correct pass.
When a member of staff stopped the person, Clifton-Brown remonstrated with them, prompting security to intervene.
He did not deny the incident when approached by PA. He said: “I’ve got nothing further to say about it. I don’t want to comment on it, really.”
But it’s not the only incident to get tongues wagging today.
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Main image: Getty