THE Prime Minister this morning apologised publicly for the over e-mails sent by his former aide Damian McBride, which smeared leading Conservatives and members of their families.

Graham Dines

THE Prime Minister this morning apologised publicly for the over e-mails sent by his former aide Damian McBride, which smeared leading Conservatives and members of their families.

The emails were sent to Labour's “spin maestro” Derek Draper containing unfounded allegations about personal illnesses and cross-dressing.

Speaking during a visit to Glasgow ahead of this afternoon's meeting of the Cabinet in the city, Mr Brown bowed to the inevitable, taking responsibility for the actions of a member of his Downing Street staff. “I am sorry about what happened.”

McBride resigned after former Home Secretary Charles Clarke said his actions had brought shame on the Labour Party.