The Accusation

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By Sam FrancisPolitical reporter, BBC News

James Cleverly has apologised in The House of Commons for using " inappropriate language" about a Labour MP but denied he used a derogatory term to describe Stockton North.

The home secretary has faced he used a swearword to describe the Labour-run area.

Addressing the controversy directly for the First Time , Mr Cleverly said he " would never" insult Stockton.

He Said he used the term to describe the constituency's MP, Alex Cunningham .

Following claims he called the Stockton North constituency a " shithole" Mr Cleverly said: " For the avoidance of Doubt . . I did not, would not and would never make such comments about his constituency. "

Responding to a point of order raised by Mr Cunningham, the home secretary said: " I know what I said. I rejected The Accusation that I criticised his constituency.

" My criticism, which I made from a sedentary position, about the honourable gentleman used inappropriate language for which I apologise.

" But I will not accept that my criticism was of his constituency because it was not. "

A source close to Mr Cleverly had previously admitted he used " unparliamentary" language to describe Mr Cunningham but denied he had criticised Stockton.

Making a statement in The House of Commons raises the stakes for Mr Cleverly. If a minister knowingly misleads The House this is a serious breach of the Ministerial Code and they are expected to offer their resignation.

Mr Cunningham called the home sectary's claims " untrue".

Speaking in The House of Commons the Labour MP said Mr Cleverly " hasn't the guts to admit to his appalling remark about my Stockton North constituency from the frontbench and apologise to The People I have the privilege of representing".

Mr Cleverly used a swearword while present during Prime Minister 's Questions on 22 November.

Mr Cunningham had asked the PM: " Why are 34% of children in my constituency living in poverty? "

After his question, a voice can be heard using a derogatory term.

Raising, Mr Cunningham said: " Before the Prime Minister answered, the home secretary chose to add in his pennyworth.

" He was seen and heard to say 'because it's a shithole'.

" I know he is denying being The Culprit , but the audio is clear and has been checked, and checked, and checked again. "

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Source of news: bbc.com