NEW : Ex - PM Gordon Brown is ` ` ' '' by the latest allegations . ` ` It is very personal and really hurtful if all true , '' former prime minister 's wife said in response . The claims about Brown widen a scandal that threatens Britain 's News of the World . The company said Monday that it was withdrawing its plan to sell television channel Sky News as part of its acquisition of BSkyB pending further consideration of the bid . The scandal threatens News International 's plan to create the largest British media company .
NEW : Ex - PM Gordon Brown is ` ` ' '' by the latest allegations . ` ` It is very personal and really hurtful if all true , '' former prime minister 's wife said in response . The claims about Brown widen a scandal that threatens Britain 's News of the World . The scandal threatens News International 's plan to create the largest British media company .