DEFIANT East Lancashire Labour candidates have played down Gordon Brown’s ‘bigoted’ gaffe.

The Prime Minister was caught on microphone yesterday describing a voter he had just spoken to on a visit to Rochdale as a “bigoted woman”.

Gordon Brown was heard describing the exchange he had with 65-year-old widow Gillian Duffy on the campaign trail as a “disaster”.

The comments were made as he got into his car after the conversation, not realising that he still had a Sky News microphone pinned to his shirt.

Speaking later on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show, Mr Brown said: “I do apologise if I said anything which is hurtful and I will apologise to her personally.”

He then went to Mrs Duffy’s home to offer his personal apology, emerging after almost 45 minutes to declare himself a “penitent sinner” who was “mortified” at what he had done.

Graham Jones, who is running in Hyndburn, said: “I think this shows Gordon Brown is a decent man because he was upset by what he said and immediately apologised for it.

“He should not have said it but his reaction shows he is in touch with people.

"This will be here today and gone tomorrow. Voters will quickly forget about it.”

Rossendale and Darwen candidate Janet Anderson said: “It seems to me that he has apologised and I assume that has been accepted.”

Pendle Labour candidate Gordon Prentice has blogged about the ‘bigoted woman’ comment.

He wrote: “I feel very sorry for Mrs Duffy. She has been thrust into the national spotlight and branded a bigot by the Prime Minister.

“While my sympathies are with Mrs Duffy, I also feel sorry for Brown in a different kind of way.

“But the whole terrible episode got me thinking.

“I come across people all the time whose views I deplore or simply do not share.

“But they have a point of view and they have the right to express it and be heard.

“I listen attentively and respond politely and with consideration. That’s my way of doing things.

“I respect you if you respect me.”

An East Lancashire PR expert said he believed the damage to Mr Brown and Labour candidates would be longer lasting.

Tony Garner, owner of Rawtenstall-based Viva PR, said: “This will be a massive talking point in the election and it reflects badly on Gordon Brown.

“This will haunt him. He is already trailing and this gaffe will cost him and Labour candidates in East Lancashire.”

Watch video from BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show:

Mrs Duffy, 65, approached Mr Brown as he prepared to leave what should have been a routine visit to a community payback scheme.

She tackled him on a series of issues including the national debt, taxes, student financing and immigration.

During their apparently good-natured exchange in the street, Mrs Duffy told the Prime Minister: "You can't say anything about immigrants."

She added: "All these eastern Europeans - where are they coming from?"

Mr Brown told her a million people had come from Europe but another million Britons had moved the other way.

Mrs Duffy also complained about people on benefits. "There are too many who aren't vulnerable and they can claim, and people who are vulnerable can't get claims - can't get it," she said.

Mr Brown replied: "But they shouldn't be doing that.

"There is no life on the dole for people any more."

As he went to get into his car, the Prime Minister told her: "Very nice to meet you, very nice to meet you."

But seconds after his limousine's doors slammed shut, he made his unguarded comments.

Mrs Duffy, who has a daughter and two grandchildren, told reporters she used to work with handicapped children for Rochdale council before she retired.

Her husband, who was a painter and decorator, died of cancer four years ago.

Before she was aware of the Premier's remarks about her, she told reporters she was a lifelong Labour voter and said of Mr Brown: "He was very nice."

Mr Brown also apologisesd to Labour activists last night, admitting in an email to them that his unguarded comments would make it more difficult for party supporters as the General Election looms.

The row interrupted Mr Brown’s preparations for tonight’s crucial TV debate, when he will come under even greater pressure as he goes head-to-head with David Cameron and Nick Clegg for the third and last time before the May 6 General Election.

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