Probe into ex-minister who 'grabbed' Greenpeace protester dropped after Boris Johnson sacks him
2 min read
A probe into an altercation between a former minister and a female climate protester has been dropped after he was sacked by Boris Johnson.
The Cabinet Office launched an investigation into Mark Field last month after footage emerged of him appearing to grab Greenpeace member Janet Barker by the neck at the Chancellor's Mansion House speech as she tried to get to the stage.
He apologised for his behaviour and was suspended as a Foreign Office minister while the inquiry was carried out.
Downing Street has now confirmed that the probe had been dropped after Mr Johnson decided not to put him into his new-look government.
A Number 10 spokesperson said: "Mark Field has now left the Government. The current PM considers this issue was a matter for the previous PM concerning his conduct during his time as a Minister under her appointment."
Meanwhile, the City of London police have also announced that they have dropped their own investigation into the incident.
In a statement, they said: "Following careful assessment and giving consideration to the events of that evening and the subsequent views of Janet Barker in relation to the action of Mark Field MP, City of London Police will be taking no further action."
But responding to the announcement, Labour's shadow policing minister Louise Haigh called for Boris Johnson to expel Mr Field from his party.
"Never mind not being fit for a job in government, Mark Field isn't fit to be an MP," she said.
"It's not good enough for the Prime Minister to say that he considers the matter settled.
"Having previously failed to condemn his actions, this is a test of Boris Johnson's attitude towards women. He should kick him out of the Conservative party immediately."
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