BLUE ON BLUE
Disgraced Tory MP booted out of party’s Manchester conference after ‘bust up’ with staff
A DISGRACED Tory MP has been sent home from the party's conference in Manchester today after he had a bust up with security staff.
Police scrambled to a "scuffle" involving senior MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown this afternoon - just hours before the Home Secretary's keynote speech.
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Parts of the secure zone inside the main venue were shut down as cops and paramedics rushed to the International Lounge at around 1.30pm.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown attempted to bring someone into the international lounge who did not have the relevant pass - and was stopped from coming in.
The MP then angrily argued with the member of staff, at which point security staff intervened.
No one was hurt and no arrests have been made.
Sir Geoffrey, MP for the Cotswolds, said in a statement tonight: "This was a minor verbal misunderstanding. The police have not contacted me at all.
"I am mortified that something so minor seems to have been blown out of all proportion and if anyone has been offended, I apologise unreservedly. I will co-operate with the Party in any investigation."
Sources said it was a "scuffle - just a bit of handbags" and a doorman described it as a "small misunderstanding".
A Government source said it was just someone "being stupid."
Witnesses said that conference delegates were seen coming out of the room to find police after fears for safety - and "raised voices".
A Conservative Spokesman said today: "The incident was 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."
Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 1 October 2019, an attendee to the Conservative Party Conference attempted to enter the International Lounge area of the conference without the relevant pass.
"Security staff intervened and resolved the situation without any breach of security occurring."
One person inside the room, who witnessed the incident, said: “It was a ‘don’t you know who I am’ kind of routine.”
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It came just hours before Home Secretary Priti Patel gave her major speech on law and order, promising to crack down on criminals.
She revealed a £40million package to give police more tasers and tackle county lines gangs dealing drugs via kids.
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