Brown was popular in the party and stood for the continuation of Gaitskell's policies, but his colleagues were well aware of his propensity to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and behave in an erratic manner – to the extent that fellow right-wing MP Tony Crosland described the selection between him and Wilson as "[choosing] between a crook and a drunk."
Brown was a favorite among party members and advocated for the continuation of Gaitskell's policies, but his colleagues were well aware of his excessive drinking habits and unpredictable behavior – to the point where fellow right-wing MP Tony Crosland likened the choice between him and Wilson to choosing between an untrustworthy individual and someone who was clearly impaired.