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 Gordon Brown, yesterday
The alleged comment at this year's Tory Party conference angered and outraged Autism charities, with the National Autistic Society branding Mr Osborne's remark as "deeply distressing".
Osborne has denied making the comment, and yesterday addressed the press in an attempt to end continued media speculation on the matter.
"At no point did I suggest the chancellor was autistic," Mr. Osborne insisted. "I understand that autism is a very serious issue, and it is most certainly not one I would be making jokes or light hearted comments about."
Added Osborne: "Besides, just by looking at Mr. Brown one can see he is not autistic. He's a spacker, if anything."
When asked to clarify the term 'spacker' for the press, Osborne replied: "You know, a mongoloid," before placing his tongue in front of his lower teeth and making a low "duuuh" sound.
"It's the eyes," Osborne continued. "They're too far apart."
DISPARAGING
During the remainder of the press conference, Osborne went on to make disparaging remarks about many other members of the cabinet. Among other comments Mr Osborne:
- CLAIMED Work & Pensions Secretary, John Hutton "smells like mutton"
- SUGGESTED Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, had "Beadle Hands"
- LABELLED Prime Minister Tony Blair a "gaylord"
Osborne also went on to rant about Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, rhyming the Leicester West MP's surname with both "spew it" and "poo it" over the course of the outburst.
Despite the controversial statements, Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, has backed Mr Osborne.
"There is no question of George making an offensive remark about those afflicted by autism," he said. "He would not be in the shadow cabinet if he was as insensitive as such as a remark would suggest. Although I will say he is correct regarding John Hutton, who really does smell like mutton."
Added Cameron: "And wee".
Chancellor Gordon Brown was gently rocking back and forth at his Downing Street home last night, and was unavailable for comment on Osborne's remarks.
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