Gordon Brown has apologised to Labour activists after he branded a pensioner a "bigot" while on the campaign trail.
The Prime Minister admitted that his unguarded comments about Gillian Duffy would make it more difficult for party supporters as the General Election looms.
In an email to Labour members on Wednesday, Mr Brown wrote: "As you may know, I have apologised to Mrs Duffy for remarks I made in the back of the car after meeting her on the campaign trail in Rochdale today. I would also like to apologise to you.
"I know how hard you all work to fight for me and the Labour Party, and to ensure we get our case over to the public. So when the mistake I made today has so dominated the news, doubtless with some impact on your own campaigning activities, I want you to know I doubly appreciate the efforts you make."
The PM had visited the 65-year-old widow at her home in Rochdale after she tackled him about Britain's financial problems, taxes, student financing and immigration. Unaware that his radio mic was still connected, Mr Brown told an aide the encounter had been "a disaster", adding: "She was just a bigoted woman."
He later returned to Mrs Duffy's home to apologise in person.
