Shadow chancellor rejects Mandelson's claim that he told a "deliberate untruth" over access to spending figures

George Osborne has rejected a claim by Lord Mandelson that he lied about being denied access to government spending figures.

A spokesman for the shadow chancellor said that he stood by his claim that the Tories were refused access to a database containing details of spending in 12,000 areas.

This morning, Mandelson, the Business Secretary, ordered Osborne to withdraw the "deliberate untruth".

Last night, Osborne said the Conservatives had been told they were not allowed to see the Combined Online Information System at two formal meetings this year.

"Gordon Brown is denying to the opposition the information on spending items in the government budget which would help us plan for government, help us plan for dealing with the debt crisis," he said.

Today Mandelson issued a strongly-worded statement rebutting Osborne's claims.

"There is a very unattractive pattern of behaviour that is starting to emerge with George Osborne, of innuendo in pursuit of a smear," he said.

"Yesterday George Osborne issued a very serious allegation that the prime minister had intervened to deny the opposition of information they were entitled to. This claim has been flatly denied by the cabinet secretary. I suggest George Osborne withdraws this deliberate untruth to avoid embarrassing his leader at prime minister's questions today."

Despite Mandelson's threat, Gordon Brown made no reference to Osborne's claim in his weekly exchange with David Cameron.

A spokesman for Brown denied that the Prime Minister had personally denied the Tories access to the government data.

"He has not been involved in any discussions or decisions in the talks between the civil service and the opposition on this," the spokesman said.

The latest row between Mandelson and Osborne comes as the parties' argument over public spending intensifies.

The Conservatives have consistently accused Brown of misleading the public by refusing to admit that Labour would have to make cuts if it wins the next election.

On Monday, Cameron said there was a "thread of dishonesty" running through the government.

Post your comment

Please note: you will need to login or register before you can comment on the website