Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Tory MP told to leave own conference after ‘unacceptable’ clash with security

‘We will always adopt a zero tolerance approach to any inappropriate behaviour’, party spokesperson says

Senior Conservative Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has been asked to leave the Tory conference after a “totally unacceptable” incident involving a clash with security staff.

Party officials said the MP attempted to bring someone into the international lounge who did not have the relevant pass.

This individual was stopped by a member of staff at the lounge and Sir Geoffrey remonstrated with them, at which point security staff intervened.

“The incident was totally unacceptable,” a party spokesperson said. “Geoffrey has been asked to leave conference and we are establishing all of the facts to see if further action is necessary.”

“We will always adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any inappropriate behaviour towards our hardworking staff.”

The MP, who represents the Cotswolds, serves as treasurer for influential backbencher group the 1922 Committee, and has sat on the Tory benches in the Commons for 27 years. He was knighted in 2018.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Sir Geoffrey said: ”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.”

A staff member guarding the door of the international lounge said the incident was sparked by a disagreement. “It was a small misunderstanding,” the man said.

Greater Manchester Police added: “At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 1 October 2019, an attendee to the Conservative Party Conference attempted to enter the International Lounge area of the conference without the relevant pass.

“Security staff intervened and resolved the situation without any breach of security occurring.”

Last month, Sir Geoffrey criticised the former Tory leader Sir John Major for describing the Conservative Party as becoming a “mean-minded sect” over Brexit.

Sir Geoffrey hit back: “Well I do think Sir John Major is being a bit hypocritical. If you’ll recall, and I was in that parliament, he talked about the ‘bastards’ – and expelled seven people from the whip overnight.”