Michael Gove: Mitchell "a man of honour"

Andrew Mitchell has quit as government chief whip after weeks of pressure over an argument with police officers in Downing Street.

The Tory MP has admitted swearing at officers in the incident but again denied calling police "plebs".

He told David Cameron - who has stood by him - that "damaging publicity" meant he could no longer do his job.

Education Secretary Michael Gove told the BBC "one moment when he allowed his feelings to overwhelm him, I don't think should be allowed to efface the good that he did".