These days Gordon Brown’s Westminster presence appears to be limited to the submission of a couple of written questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the number of people in the Fife local authority area currently in receipt of housing benefit. Yawn.
No wonder, then, that he’s longingly eyeing up the position of managing director of the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC, although – the Daily Mail reports – his chances of jetting off to Capitol Hill are looking rather slim.
Never mind, Gordon. Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath may not quite compare to the glamourous US of A, but at least you can curl up on the sofa with a cuppa and a copy of several great books. All about you.
For, it seems, ‘tis the season for reminiscing about Brown’s turbulent period as PM, with Sarah Brown’s Behind the Black Door hitting the shelves last week. This Saturday, Francis Beckett reviewed in The Guardian Anthony Seldon and Guy Lodge’s book – published by yours truly – Brown At 10, writing that ‘anyone seriously interested in modern British political history will want to have it around for reference’. In this rigorous and authoritative account, Seldon and Lodge ‘record in compelling and grisly detail’ examples of Brown’s hubris and downfall. Okay Gordon, perhaps you’d be better off sticking to the missus’ book, but for the rest of you out there: what are you waiting for? Brown At 10 is available here, priced just £20. Bargain.