28/09/2009

Mandelson's Anger At BBC

Lord Mandelson has blasted the BBC for challenging the prime minister over 'right-wing smears'.

BBC politics presenter Andrew Marr asked the Gordon Brown whether he was taking prescription medication to help him "get through".

Mr Marr and the BBC have stood over yesterday's live interview, suggesting it was a legitimate question.

Downing Street has continued to stress Mr Brown is in good health, despite reports to the contrary.

The prime minister, who lost his sight in one eye during his youth, has been the subject of countless online Tory blogs.

One national newspaper last week picked up on the internet rumours, which alleged Mr Brown's sight was deteriorating and that he was taking anti-depressant medication.

Lord Mandelson, the effective deputy prime minister, slammed what he called "lazy journalism" at the BBC.

"We have seen out there on the internet, the blogosphere, all these extreme right-wing people trying to put these smears and rumours about, all completely groundless," he told GMTV.

"Frankly, the only surprising thing about all this is that the BBC of all people should choose to give it credibility."

Lord Mandelson appeared on all the major TV networks this morning to defend the prime minister.

Today marks the first full day of the Labour Party conference in Brighton, which is expected to hear pledges from senior government figures to "fightback" at opinion poll slumps.

(PR/GK)

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