(Thumbnail image: The Guardian)

Britain’s Conservatives are calling for an inquiry into claims Prime Minister Gordon Brown bullies his staff.  A journalist’s recently released book started the controversy, heightening the anticipation toward what is expected to be a close race for Downing Street, this spring.

We’re looking at views from Euronews, Sky News, Al Jazeera English, and CNN.

The book alleges Brown verbally and physically intimidated aides. The National Bullying Helpline also reports several government workers have made complaints. Euronews shows the prime minister denied any abuse but admits to having a strong personality.

BROWN: “I have never, never hit anybody in my life.”

REPORTER: “Or shook them?”

BROWN: “No. I don’t do these sorts of things. In the heat of the moment you say things sometimes- And of course, you do get angry mostly with yourself, but I am very strong willed. I am very determined.”

But not everyone blames Brown for occasionally losing his temper. Sky News questions attacks on Brown when past prime ministers had similar reputations. One government worker also says she witnessed Brown’s blow-ups but never felt like a victim.

REPORTER: “We know that prime ministers, even Tony Blair or the supposedly mild mannered John Major have had outbursts of anger and frustration. So, why should Gordon Brown be any different?”

WOMAN: “I have seen him loose his cool a bit. I have heard the odd, uh, swear word-- But nothing that I felt was directed at me- And I was often the bearer of bad news.”

Al Jazeera English highlights British official Peter Mandelson’s view that the government shouldn’t take the book seriously.

"Do you not think we have better things to do than to chase up every rag, tag and bobtail rumour, innuendo and smear that anyone with a book to sell chooses to pump into the ether. ... Nobody bullies, nobody tolerates bullying in this government. Period, zero, and that's it, OK?"

CNN shows a similar perspective from the British public.

MAN: “I think it’s just a bit of news over-hype. And I think it’s just the charity trying to make themselves known, really. I think it’s being blown out of proportion.”

WOMAN: “I can’t see how he can be a monster, you know, he’s just doing his job- like everybody else does. I mean, if he has to tell people what to do and they’re not happy about it- Well, that’s society today.”

But Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg tells ITN that the aides’ complaints give the issue legitimacy.

“If this was just a spat between a journalist, however distinguished, and the prime minister- Well that would be one thing- But it has gone beyond that. ... I do think that any allegation of bullying should be taken as seriously here as it would be taken as seriously in every other walk of life.”

So, is Gordon Brown a bully? And should the book be taken seriously?

Writer: Chelsea Donohoe

Producer: Adam Falk