MP clarifies who they were referring to, not Stockton.

The Home Secretary's comments in the House of Commons have caused a stir amongst both sides of the political spectrum. On Wednesday, during Prime Minister's Questions, Alex Cunningham asked Rishi Sunak why 34% of children in his constituency of Stockton were living in poverty. In response, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, was apparently captured on a House of Commons microphone saying "because it's a s**thole".

Mr Cunningham raised a point of order later that day, expressing his anger at the comments: "Before the Prime Minister answered, the Home Secretary chose to add in his pennyworth. He was seen and heard to say 'because it's a s**thole'. I have contacted his office advising him I planned to name him, but sadly he has chosen not to be in the chamber."

The audio was checked multiple times and it became clear that the comments were aimed at the MP, rather than the constituency. This incident has been met with widespread condemnation from both sides of the aisle.

Mr Cleverly later issued an apology for his unparliamentary language. A source close to the Home Secretary said: "James made a comment. He called Alex Cunningham a s**t MP. He apologises for unparliamentary language. As was made clear yesterday, he would never criticise Stockton. He's campaigned in Stockton and is clear that it is a great place."

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