Labour accused of failing to tackle ‘bully’ Gordon Brown

Ex-PM Gordon Brown had faced bullying allegations, the new Deputy Prime Minister reminded Labour critics of Dominic Raab yesterday.

Oliver Dowden, who replaced Mr Raab following a Whitehall bullying row, put Labour on the spot about the woeful record by its own MPs.

Labour’s work and pensions spokesman Jonathan Ashworth was reminded that Mr Brown was accused of throwing phones, pens and even a computer printer when he was prime minister.

Mr Dowden told the BBC yesterday: ‘It was no great secret what happened with Gordon Brown when he was prime minister. 

‘I don’t think that kind of conduct would be acceptable in today’s climate.’

Ahead of the 2010 general election, Mr Brown faced a string of allegations of bullying and violent behaviour towards staff – including that he once hit an adviser.

He admitted getting angry, but said the worst he did was ‘throw the newspapers on the floor or something like that’, telling Channel 4 News: ‘I have never hit anybody in my life.’

Mr Ashworth was asked on GB News why action was not taken against Mr Brown, whose own colleagues revealed his ‘brutal and volcanic’ temper at No 10.

He said he had ‘worked very closely’ with Mr Brown, insisting he was ‘a robust personality, but not a bully’, adding: ‘He did not intimidate officials. We all worked very well.’

In an interview with Times Radio, Mr Ashworth was also asked about the ‘fairly inappropriate treatment’ of Labour MP Rosie Duffield from members of her own party after she was heckled during a debate on trans rights.

Labour’s work and pensions spokesman Jonathan Ashworth was reminded that Mr Brown was accused of throwing phones, pens and even a computer printer when he was prime minister

Mr Ashworth said: ‘She should be allowed to express her views and not feel intimidated for doing so.’ 

Told that she did not feel supported by Labour, he said the party ‘should be a welcoming place for people who have different opinions about sensitive issues’.