Senior Tory triggers security alert at party conference
A senior Tory MP triggered a security lockdown at the Conservative Party’s annual conference in Manchester.
Security has been tight at the event in Manchester Central conference centre since it started on Sunday.
The conference centre and the Midland Hotel are protected by barriers with armed police patrolling the streets.
And when veteran MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown attempted to bring in a friend into an area of the conference without a pass he triggered a security shutdown.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
The Gloucestershire MP was asked to leave the conference after clashing with staff. The MP has since apologised for the incident “unreservedly”.
A Conservative spokesman said: “The incident was totally unacceptable.”
“Geoffrey has been asked to leave Conference and we are establishing all of the facts to see if further action is necessary,” he added.
“We will always adopt a zero tolerance approach to any inappropriate behaviour towards our hardworking staff.”
The Cotswolds MP said in a statement: “This was a minor verbal misunderstanding.
“The police have not contacted me at all. I am mortified that something so minor seems to have been blown out of all proportion and if anyone has been offended, I apologise unreservedly.
“I will co-operate with the party in any investigation.”
