UK News

Gordon Brown reprimanded for bullying behaviour, book claims

Feb 21, 2010, 14:36 GMT

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrives at the Global Investment conference at the Saatchi Gallery, London, Britain, 22 February 2010. EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA

London - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was given an unprecedented telling-off by the head of the civil service over his verbal abuse of staff, a new book serialized in The Observer newspaper said on Sunday

The book, The End of the Party by Andrew Rawnsley, claims that Brown, who took office in 2007 and faces a general election by June at the latest was reprimanded because he frequently yelled, swore at, and pushed staff at his 10 Downing Street office.

Rawnsley wrote that Sir Gus O'Donnell, the Cabinet Secretary 'felt compelled to directly confront the Prime Minister and give him a stern 'pep talk' about his conduct towards the staff.'

He told Mr Brown 'this is no way to get things done' and warned he needed to 'moderate his behaviour.'

Brown's Labour Party has been in power since 1997, and although it has recently closed the gap between it and the opposition Conservatives, opinion polls point to Labour losing the general election.

In one incident related by Rawnsley, when Brown felt that a secretary was not typing fast enough, he shoved the woman aside and took over the keyboard himself.

Civil servants reported that Brown's mood was 'absolutely black all the time' and that staff were 'afraid of him because he was always shouting at people, being unpleasant, constantly blaming people for things going wrong.'

Conservative front-bencher William Hague told Sky News on Sunday that the allegations raised serious doubts about the prime minister's suitability to lead the country.

'I don't think he has ever shown that he can lead a happy team and a successful team,' Hague said.

'I don't think he has really been cut out for it.'

However Brown allies rallied Sunday behind the prime minister.

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said that although Brown was 'emotional and demanding' he did not abuse staff.

'Would you like some sort of shrinking violet at the helm of the government when we are going through such stormy waters?' he told the BBC.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said he had known Mr Brown for 17 years and had 'never' heard him swear or raise his voice.

'I don't recognise this portrayal of him,' Johnson told the BBC.