I've never danced in my undies, says outcast Labor MP Matt Brown

MATT Brown lost his job as Police Minister for dancing in his undies and making lewd remarks to a female MP. Now he's telling what he says really happened.

No pants dance ... Matt Brown outside Parliament / Pic: James Elsby

OUTCAST Labor MP Matt Brown is fighting for his political life.

His battle has started with the categorical denial of the scandal that ruined his ministerial career.

"It never happened - I never danced in my underpants," Mr Brown said yesterday in his first lengthy interview since he was dumped as police minister three days into the job by former premier Nathan Rees.

"I couldn't say anything at the time. I had to accept it was Nathan's call, he was my leader. It's done huge damage to my career and my family who were put through this at the time."

With 14 months until the next election, the former corporate lawyer who grew up in his seat of Kiama faces a poll loss despite a 12 per cent lead.

About 10 people, including now Premier Kristina Keneally, Police Minister Michael Daley, Camden MP Geoff Corrigan, Wollongong MP Noreen Hay and Labor staffers were in and out of the office on that evening of June 3.

Mr Brown was rumoured to be dancing in his underwear making lewd remarks towards Ms Hay in front of her daughter Alison Dumbrell, a staffer for Shellharbour MP Lylea McMahon, who was also there.

Three months after the Budget night party the stories emerged. One of them was that Mr Brown told Ms Dumbrell while gyrating against Ms Hay: "Look at this, I'm titty-f . . . ing your mother."

When the antics were made public Mr Brown admitted there had been a party. He said in September 2008: "I can confirm there was a party during a parliamentary sitting evening. It is unacceptable behaviour.

"I have spoken to the Premier and he has made it very clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated. I regret the incident and have apologised to the Premier and given my guarantee that this will not happen again."

Mr Rees said at the time he was disappointed in his minister's behaviour but stressed that it "didn't happen on my watch".

All of those present at the party, which finished about 1am when the group had to vote on Frank Sartor's new planning laws, denied anything untoward happened on the night.

"I've always found Matt Brown to be an absolute gentleman with me. To suggest anything else is outrageous," Ms Hay said.