A WEST Mercia Police officer is to face a misconduct hearing as a result of his part in the Plebgate affair.

Inspector Ken Mackaill was one of three Police Federation members who met with Andrew Mitchell, then government chief whip, in October 2012 following an incident in which he had allegedly called officers who refused to let him cycle through the main gate in Downing Street “plebs”.

Insp Mackaill and his colleagues – Detective Sergeant Stuart Hinton of Warwickshire Police and Sergeant Chris Jones of West Midlands Police – told the media immediately following the meeting at Mr Mitchell’s constituency office in Sutton Coldfield that he has refused to give a full account of the incident and called on him to quit.

But a recording of the meeting which emerged later cast doubt on the accuracy of their account.

Following an investigation the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has recommended both Insp Mackaill and Det Sgt Hinton should face misconduct hearings.

Although the IPCC said it did not believe the two officers had committed a criminal offence, they could face the sack if misconduct charges are proven.

Sgt Jones has been cleared of misconduct.

Mr Mitchell has continued to deny using the word "pleb".