Angela Rayner apologises for ‘scum’ attack on Tories

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has said sorry for calling Tories “scum”.

Originally the politician made the eyebrow raising remark at Labour’s conference in September.

Reflecting on her words, Ms Rayner said she would like to “unreservedly apologise” and she said she would not use the language again.

She said in a statement: “I would like to unreservedly apologise for the language I used, and I would not use it again. I will continue to speak my mind, stand up for Labour values and hold the Government to account.

“But in the future I will be more careful about how I do that and in the language that I choose.”

Ms Rayner apologised following a time of reflection while she was off work because of a beveavement.

Her statement come in the wake of Westminster mourning the death of Sir David Amess who was stabbed to death at a constituency surgery.

Ms Rayner explained it had made her think about the threats and abuse which occur in political spheres.

She added: “While I have been away from the cut and thrust of Parliament I have reflected on our political debate and the threats and abuse that now seem to feature all too often.

“I have also reflected on what I said at an event at Labour Party conference. I was angry about where our country is headed and policies that have made life harder for so many people I represent.”

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