Gate-Gate: Andrew Mitchell's fruity language furore

Andrew Mitchell says the focus is about selling the Typhoon (Rex Features)

If you believe everything you see in The Thick of It (and given recent life-imitating-art moments, why wouldn't you?) sweariness is the essence of Whitehall interaction.

So it will come as no surprise that Government chief whip Andrew "Thrasher" Mitchell, has been caught out in a foul-mouthed tirade to police officers stationed on Downing Street, when they dared challenge his inalienable right to cycle wherever he darn well please.

He reportedly said "Best learn your f***ing place. You don't run this f***ing government." According to the Sun, he also called the officers "f***ing plebs".

Mitchell has released a statement, admitting he "did not treat the police with the respect they deserve", but denies using the language reported in the Sun.

That hasn't stopped the matter kicking off on Twitter. @OwenJones84 tweets, "Tory millionaire Andrew Mitchell calls police officers 'f£&king plebs'. Finally, a Tory honest about how they view anyone on less than £50k" @johnpresscott says, "The problem with Andrew MItchell is he confuses Downing Street with Downton Abbey #plebgate"