LONDON: Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the fallout over the recent lawmaker expense scandal has been the worst time in his political life.

Brown made the remarks in a rare personal interview in the Guardian newspaper Saturday.

The prime minister's popularity has sunk to record lows since details of lawmaker expense claims were leaked to a newspaper last month. The data showed that lawmakers claimed for items ranging from pornography to chandeliers.

Brown said he had been hurt by some of the recent criticism and admitted he lacks convincing communication skills.

The scandal prompted resignations of several lawmakers. A police investigation is also under way.