Andrew Mitchell Sells 'Plebgate' Bike On eBay

Former Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell has sold the bike at the centre of the "plebgate" scandal on eBay and raised £10,600 for charity.

Mr Mitchell was riding the seven-year-old bike when he clashed with police officers in September last year as he tried to leave Downing Street via the main gate instead of a side exit.

It was claimed at the time that Mr Mitchell swore at the officers and called them "plebs" - an allegation he strenuously denies.

Despite a huge backlash, he held on to his post for several weeks before he was forced to resign after a series of damaging headlines.

The Sutton Coldfield MP put the 18-speed Reflex Westminster - which has a distinctive wicker basket and had been targeted by thieves - on sale to give it a "good home out of the limelight".

The proceeds from the sale will go to Nyumbani UK, which helps HIV and Aids-affected children in Kenya.

The charity said the auction attracted more than 31,600 views over five days, with 60 bids in total, but the identity of the bike's new owner has not been revealed.

Mr Mitchell said: "I am pleased it has raised so much for Nyumbani UK, which helps thousands of Kenyan children orphaned through the HIV pandemic.

"The auction has gone better than I thought it would and I hope the bike's new owner will enjoy riding it as much as I have."

Nyumbani UK chairman Simon Philips said the charity was extremely grateful, adding: "All proceeds will go towards providing these children with the best nutritional, medical, educational and psychosocial care and will definitely make a tangible difference to their lives."

Scotland Yard is investigating the Downing Street row after claims that officers may have lied about the dispute.

A Channel 4 investigation cast doubt on the original account of what happened when it revealed CCTV footage which showed there was not a large group of tourists outside the main gate at the time as had been claimed.

An email from a civilian witness backing up the police account of events has also since been called into question.

Categories: