Damian McBride's actions 'were vile' - Dame Tessa Jowell

In extracts of a memoir published in the Daily Mail, Damian McBride claims he smeared Labour ministers including Charles Clarke and John Reid during Mr Brown's bid to succeed Tony Blair.

In light of this revelation which happens to coincide with the Labour Party conference, ex-minister Dame Tessa Jowell says she is shocked by the "vile actions" of Damian McBride. former spin doctor to Gordon Brown.

She also criticises the former prime minister, suggesting Mr Brown had been an "agent of this malign and awful" behaviour.