LONDON — Police representatives Friday demanded a British minister resign, saying he had sworn at officers and called them “morons", in an embarrassing incident for Prime Minister David Cameron and his government. Andrew Mitchell, the so-called “Chief Whip" responsible for keeping discipline among lawmakers in Cameron's Conservative Party, admitted making unacceptable comments after being told to get off his bicycle as he left Downing Street. The confrontation at the security gates outside Cameron's office was reported on the front page of the mass-selling Sun newspaper, which said Mitchell swore at police and told them to learn their place, allegations which he denies. The timing could hardly be worse for Cameron, coming days after two unarmed female officers were shot dead in Manchester, northern England, and overshadowing his trip to the city to pay tribute to the dead women. It also fueled claims that Cameron, who attended the elite Eton school, and other wealthy members of his government were out of touch with ordinary people, a portrayal which rivals have been keen to exploit. Mitchell phoned the police officer in question to say sorry and the apology was accepted, his spokesman said. — Reuters
