David Cameron's spokesman was eager to defend Tory chairman Grant Shapps over second job

David Cameron's spokesman eager to defend Grant Shapps over second. Credit: PA

The Prime Minister's spokesman was eager to defend Grant Shapps' today when questioned about whether the Tory Party chairman had lied about a second job.

He told lobby journalists he had David Cameron's 'full confidence'.

But allegations in today's Guardian are serious, suggesting that Mr Shapps continued running a business, selling products such as 'Stinking Rich3' and promising to make his clients 'a ton of cash', while an MP.

It directly contradicts recent comments by Mr Shapps - who used the business alias Michael Green - on LBC radio, when he said: "I did not have a second job while being an MP, end of story".

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "Grant has said it was a mistake, the Prime Minister absolutely accepts that."

There's clearly a big difference between a mistake and attempting to muddy the waters about his past.

Labour is demanding a full investigation and Mr Shapps urgently needs to clarify the situation if he wants to avoid becoming a distraction during the election campaign.