London, Sept 2 (ANI): In light of former British prime minister Tony Blair’s criticism of his successor Gordon Brown in his book-’A Journey’- Brown’s supporters have openly accused Blair of being ‘unfair’ and ‘one-sided’ in his remarks.

Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham said he was ’saddened’ about the book being released on the same day when voting in the Labour leadership contest has begun.

While Brown has not spoken on this issue, some senior Labour members have expressed concerns that this controversy might adversely affect the present leadership contest. They have appealed for unity in the party, BBC reports.

In his autobiography, Blair has blamed Brown for the Labour Party’s defeat, and accused him of backing away from reforms mid-way. Blair also described Brown as ‘maddening’ and a ’strange guy’ with “zero emotional intelligence”.

‘The relationship with Gordon was very, very difficult’, Blair claims.

Blair says the pressure from Brown on him to step aside became so great that he almost became addicted to alcohol. (ANI)