Gordon Brown
Former Prime Minister
Gordon Brown
Former Prime Minister
Gordon Brown is a British politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2007 to 2010, leading the Labour Party. Prior to his premiership, he was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1997 to 2007, holding one of the longest tenures in that position in British history. Born on February 20, 1951, in Scotland, Brown studied history at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned a PhD. Known for his role in navigating the UK through the global financial crisis of 2008, his time in office was marked by both achievements and challenges, including his efforts to manage the economy and his government’s handling of domestic and international issues. Brown succeeded Tony Blair as leader of the Labour Party but was unable to win a second term as prime minister after a general election in 2010.
Gordon Brown Slams Media Influence in Fiery Speech
- Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Gordon Brown’s speech condemning Rupert Murdoch and his newspapers is seen by some as marking a new era for politics and media. However, the author argues that politicians will always seek favorable coverage from the press, while newspapers crave power and influence. The tension between the two has only worsened over time due to politicians' desire for unmediated communication with the electorate and media organizations' need for legal and regulatory favors to expand their empires. Brown's own attempts to make friends with Murdoch and his lieutenants are highlighted as examples of this perpetual loveless embrace, with no condemnation or promise of virtue being enough to bring about change; instead, transparency in dealings between politicians and the press is necessary for a new era.
