September 26, 2008 16:24

James' singer criticises Gordon Brown for using song 'Sit Down'

Tim Booth calls Prime Minister 'desperate'

James' singer Tim Booth has attacked Prime Minister Gordon Brown for using the band's hit 'Sit Down' as his introduction song at this week's Labour Party Conference.

Brown had the song played over the PA at Manchester Central before making his keynote speech on Tuesday (September 23).

Speaking about the incident, Booth told The Independent: "We [James] have always been supportive of the Labour Party, as well as Greenpeace, Amnesty and CND, but obviously the machinations of a desperate politician trying to restore unity by using our song is not something we are totally behind."

Booth added that he thinks Brown missed the point of the song.

"The song is about unity and that's obviously how Brown is trying to use it. But it's about unity of people and spirit rather than healing the divisions of political parties," he said.