Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP is believed to have been involved (Picture: Rex/UK parliament)

A punch-up broke out at the Conservative Party Conference after a senior MP tried to get in without a pass.

The event, being held in Manchester, is believed to be on ‘lockdown’, following an incident between MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and security.

Armed police and paramedics were called to the scene following the bust-up, which happened inside the International Lounge at the conference centre.

A Conservative Party spokesman said Sir Geoffrey has been asked to leave the conference after the ‘totally unacceptable’ incident.


The Cotswolds MP did not deny the reports, and said: ‘I’ve got nothing further to say about it. I don’t want to comment on it, really.’



A staff member guarding the door of the lounge said the incident was sparked by a disagreement, adding: ‘It was a small misunderstanding’.

Images shared on social media show police ushering journalists out of a door to the room.

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Armed Police were on the scene at the International Lounge at the Conservative Conference (Picture: London News Pictures Ltd)

Paramedics were also in attendance, according to reports (Picture: Rex Features)

Journalists were ushered away from the area (Picture: Twitter/btharris93)

Greater Manchester Police said in statement that an ‘attendee’ tried to enter without a relevant pass.

The force said: ‘At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 1 October 2019, an attendee to the Conservative Party Conference attempted to enter the International Lounge area of the conference without the relevant pass.

‘Security staff intervened and resolved the situation without any breach of security occurring.’

According to parliamentary sketch writer John Crace, the MP was later being held by police.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘The treasurer of the 1922 committee, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, has been held by police after an incident in the International Lounge at the Tory party conference.

‘Just hours before Priti Patel announced plans to get tough on crime. Now to get Boris…’

Sir Geoffrey said he didn’t want to comment on the incident (Picture: Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament)

The treasurer of the 1922 committee, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, has been held by police after an incident in the International Lounge at the Tory party conference. Just hours before Priti Patel announced plans to get tough on crime. Now to get Boris… — John Crace (@JohnJCrace) October 1, 2019

There has been an actual punch up inside the secure zone at the Tory Party conference. Police are involved. In an hour, the Home Secretary Priti Patel will be on stage announcing more money for police stun guns. and saying: “To the criminals, ‘We are coming after you.’” Lovely — Tom Peck (@tompeck) October 1, 2019

Journalist Tom Peck, said the punch-up was in the ‘secure zone’ at the event.

He wrote: ‘There has been an actual punch up inside the secure zone at the Tory Party conference. Police are involved.

‘In an hour, the Home Secretary Priti Patel will be on stage announcing more money for police stun guns. and saying: “To the criminals, ‘We are coming after you.’”

‘Lovely’.

HE, a higher education analyst tweeted: ‘Currently Exchange Hall at #conservativepartyconference2019 is in lockdown following a reported punch up, “one of those conference incidents” says a Tory press officer to journalists trying to get through to media room.’

Speaking to press afterwards, MP for Romford Andrew Rosindall told the crowd there was nothing to be concerned about, said District councillor Wai Lee Ho.

He tweeted: ‘Andrew Rosindell – “there’s literally nothing going on” inside the Exchange Hall #CPC19 #ToryTao’.

The punch-up led to a lockdown of areas of the conference, including the press room, at the Manchester Central Convention Complex for around 20 minutes.

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