Andrew Brown: an apology

In Gerald Warner's column on 10 May we stated that Andrew Brown, brother of the Prime Minister, had profited unethically from expenses claimed by the Prime Minister.

We accept there is no truth in this allegation, and that the payment made to Andrew Brown covered the reimbursement to him of Gordon Brown's share of the wages of a cleaner who worked for both men.

We accept that there was no impropriety or illegality on behalf of Andrew Brown and apologise for the offence caused to him and have agreed to make a donation to a charity of his choice.