He added: “I know it is something which personally he feels very upset about because he knows there is no truth to these allegations.
In fact, Andrew Rawnsley’s book — despite its narrative truth — turns out on every one of these allegations to be incorrect,” he said. “I don’t think it damages him. It hurts him personally."
David Cameron has demanded an inquiry into what he said were “very serious matters” about what went on in Downing Street, while Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg said the allegations of bullying were “very important” and should be cleared up.
In an interview with The Economist magazine, Mr Brown gave his first direct response, insisting: “The Cabinet Secretary has made it clear that he’s had no inquiries, there’s been no reprimand, there’s been no private message to me... [The] story is completely wrong.”
However, journalist Andrew Rawnsley stood by the allegations raised in his book The End Of The Party, pointing out that three statements had now been issued by Downing Street on Sir Gus’s behalf.
He told the BBC’s Newsnight programme: “What they have not denied on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary is that he had a conversation with the Prime Minister about his behaviour ... one person’s idea of a verbal warning could be another person’s private word.”
Mr Rawnsley’s book includes accounts of Mr Brown allegedly forcing a secretary from her chair, “roughly shoving” an aide and four-letter-word rants that frightened staff.
Monday 22
February 2010
UPDATE: more details on tonight's programme:
Tonight, amid the row about claims made in a book about Gordon Brown's behaviour towards staff, and separate allegations from the head of an anti-bullying charity, we'll be asking if the Prime Minister really is a bully and whether it matters anyway?
Downing Street has dismissed the book's claims as "malicious" and "without foundation".
Michael Crick will be examining No.10's fight back today, led by Peter Mandelson who claims that there is a 'political operation' underway to undermine Gordon Brown.
Also tonight, are banks really conducting "God's work," as the Goldman Sachs CEO claimed recently? Today, one of the most important banks in the world appeared before a committee of MPs to speak of the global crash, the Greek debt crisis and bankers bonuses. Paul Mason investigates the reach and power of Goldman Sachs.
And more.
Do join Jeremy at 10.30pm on BBC Two.
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FROM 11:53 GMT
Here's what we are planning for tonight's programme:
Michael Crick will be bringing us the latest on the row about claims made in a book about Gordon Brown's behaviour towards staff, and separate allegations from the head of an anti-bullying charity. So is the prime minister a bully? Downing Street has dismissed the book's claims as "malicious" and "without foundation".
And Paul Mason is looking at the influence of Goldman Sachs. Is it the most powerful bank on the planet?
More later.
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