I've never sworn myself, says Keynsham's MP as he defends under-fire minister Andrew Mitchell

Keynsham's Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has claimed in a radio interview that he has never sworn.

He was speaking on Radio 4 about Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell after the minister's alleged foul-mouthed outburst at Downing Street police officers.

Calls have been growing for Mr Mitchell to go. He has denied the claims that he swore or called officers "plebs" but has apologised for not treating officers with due respect.

During the interview, on The World Tonight, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "Almost everybody at some point in their life has got cross with somebody when they probably shouldn't have done and when that happens it's very embarrassing. He's given a fulsome apology and I think that really ought to be the end of the matter."

Mr Rees-Mogg was then asked: "Have you ever sworn at a policeman?"

He replied: "Well, personally I can't remember ever having sworn but that may make me unusual."

And asked whether he had ever called anyone a pleb, Mr Rees-Mogg retorted: "No certainly not".

Listen to the interview