PM accepts blame for plebgate

A committee of MPs has criticised the prime minister and his top civil servant for failing to investigate allegations that a cabinet minister called a police officer a “pleb”. David Cameron has “taken full responsibility” for the failure.

Peter Riddell, director of the Institute for Government, said: “There needs to be greater clarity about who investigates ethical allegations against ministers. Sir Jeremy Heywood did exactly what David Cameron asked him to do. But, like several of his predecessors as cabinet secretary ... he has found himself criticised.”