The deputy  leader of the British Labour party, Angela Rayner, has apologised for branding senior Tories “scum”. The comments, at a reception at Labour’s conference in September, drew condemnation from senior Conservatives. Ms Rayner said: “I would like to unreservedly apologise for the language I used, and I would not use it again.” Her apology followed a period of reflection while off work following a bereavement. It also came after she was targeted by threats and at a time when Westminster is still mourning the loss of Sir David Amess, who was stabbed to death at a constituency surgery. “While I have been away from the cut and thrust of Parliament I have reflected on our political debate and the threats and abuse that now seem to feature all too often,” Ms Rayner said. “I have also reflected on what I said at an event at Labour Party conference. “I …