The Home Secretary has apologised for his use of 'unparliamentary language' at PMQs and claims he called an MP 's**t' rather than his constituency.

A source close to James Cleverly said he had not called Stockton a 's**thole,' but had referred to MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham, as a 's**t MP' instead.

The source added Mr Cleverly would never criticise Stockton and said he has regularly campaigned in the town.

They 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."

This comes after Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, demanded an apology from the Braintree MP for the derogatory remark yesterday.

The comment was heard in the chamber after Mr Cunningham asked the Prime Minister why 34 per cent of children in Stockton North are living in poverty.

Making a point of order in the Commons later on Wednesday, Mr Cunningham, who represents Stockton North, said: “Before the Prime Minister answered, the Home Secretary chose to add in his pennyworth.

“Yes, I have contacted his office advising him I planned to name him, but sadly he has chosen not to be in the chamber.

“He was seen and heard to say ‘because it’s a s**thole’.

“I know he is denying being the culprit, but the audio is clear and has been checked, and checked, and checked again.

“There is no doubt that these comments shame the Home Secretary, this rotten Government, and the Tory Party.

“He is clearly unfit for his high office.”

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At the time, Mr Cleverly's spokesperson has denied that the Home Secretary made the comment and added he was disappointed to be accused of doing so.

They said: “He did not say that, and would not.

“He’s disappointed people would accuse him of doing so.”