Mitchell Auctions 'Plebgate' Bike For Charity

Former Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell is to auction the bike at the centre of the "plebgate" scandal for charity.

Mr Mitchell, who resigned after rowing with a police officer as he tried to cycle from Downing Street, plans to sell the bicycle on eBay.

The senior Tory reportedly believes the bike - which has a distinctive wicker basket - is now too recognisable after being seen in the media.

Pictures of Mr Mitchell riding it have been used repeatedly as the "plebgate" row dragged on after it initially blew up last autumn.

It has apparently been targeted by thieves twice, once when Mr Mitchell was having lunch in a restaurant and on another occasion at his home.

The politician's profile has even led to tourists stopping him in the street and asking for a picture with him and his bike.

Mr Mitchell, a former international development secretary, is said to be planning to give any money raised to international development charities.

The Sutton Coldfield MP clashed with an officer in September when he tried to ride through the main gates of Downing Street instead of using a side exit.

He denied ever calling police "plebs" and clung to his job for several weeks despite a huge backlash but eventually quit in October.

The MP has claimed he would still be in his job had CCTV footage of the clash been released earlier.

An email purporting to be from a passer-by and corroborating the police account is also now disputed, amid claims it was written by a serving police officer.

Scotland Yard is investigating and four arrests - including a male and female police officer - have so far been made.