Brown's mother dies in hospital

Elizabeth Brown's family were at her bedside

The mother of Chancellor Gordon Brown has died in hospital surrounded by her family, it has been announced.

Elizabeth Brown, who was 86, died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she had been since 10 September.

Her family said she had "passed away peacefully" with the chancellor, his wife Sarah, and their son John at her bedside.

Her other sons, John and Andrew, were also present as hospital chaplain the Rev James Falconer said prayers.

Mr Brown flew to Scotland on Tuesday to be with his mother after she was taken ill.

He had been due to address union bosses at the TUC General Council dinner in Brighton on Tuesday.

But Mr Brown telephoned TUC boss Brendan Barber saying he was unable to attend.

Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy sent his best wishes to the chancellor and his family.

"I am very sorry to hear about his mother's illness and hospitalisation," he said.

"Our thoughts are with him at this time."