Gordon Brown: A Politician of Exceptional Vision and Probity
A new biography by political journalist James Macintyre reveals Gordon Brown as a man of exceptional vision and probity, offering a stark contrast to contemporary politics. During his 13 years at the apex of British politics, Brown was often depicted as a Shakespearean protagonist, but Macintyre's work presents him as a Victorian novel hero, shaped by early misfortune and driven by a burning moral purpose.
The Complex Character of a Political Titan
Brown's story is compelling, with Bill Clinton once described as the most psychologically complex Oval Office occupant since Richard Nixon; the same holds true for Brown in Downing Street, compared to Winston Churchill. Macintyre hails him as a "titan," brimming with intellectual firepower and a Christian faith-driven urge to do good. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams even likened Brown to the values of anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
However, Macintyre also describes Brown as "famously flawed," with a volcanic temper, a talent for grudges, needless suspicion towards opponents, and reliance on "sometimes thuggish spin doctors." This complexity defies easy categorization, as noted by Tony Blair, who praised Brown's intellect of "astonishingly high quality" yet highlighted his quirks, like using a duvet cover as a tablecloth.
Personal Ambition and Selfless Service
Brown was filled with personal ambition but had no interest in the trappings of office or financial gain. He insisted on paying his own way, even covering decoration costs at Downing Street, leading to "considerable debt," and refused his prime ministerial pension. This contrasts sharply with figures like Peter Mandelson, whom Brown brought back from political obscurity only to face alleged betrayal.
Publicly, Brown appeared dour and awkward, partly due to a teenage rugby injury that caused permanent blindness in one eye and impaired vision in the other. Yet in private, he was warm and funny, impersonating himself to mock his "mechanical style" compared to Barack Obama's oratory. Macintyre reports two episodes of depression, triggered by his baby daughter's death and the 2010 election defeat, but at age 75, Brown remains driven, rising at dawn daily to work.
Indecisive Yet Decisive Leadership
Brown's premiership was blighted by indecision, such as dithering over an early election after succeeding Blair, but he was famously decisive during the 2008 financial crash. At a G20 crisis meeting, when Nicolas Sarkozy lamented the lack of a plan, Obama highlighted, "Gordon's got a plan." Brown's recapitalisation of the banks prevented global financial collapse and saved the economy from depression.
Macintyre, while sympathetic and having Brown's co-operation, gives voice to antagonists like Blair, David Cameron, Michael Gove, and Nick Clegg. Blair, more forgiving than in his memoir, insists he had no issue with Brown's ambition, asking, "Why shouldn't he have it?" The book delves into the 1994 pact between Blair and Brown, with no definitive verdict on its terms, but concludes that Blair as front man and Brown as chancellor was likely the best outcome.
Immense Achievements and Lasting Legacy
Brown's flaws are outweighed by his record, especially poignant as Labour struggles today. He halved child poverty, increased youth job chances by 20%, and created Sure Start centres, with a 2024 study showing children from low-income families near these centres performing up to three grades better in GCSEs. The New Labour government was the most redistributive postwar, thanks to the minimum wage, tax credits, pension changes, and NHS spending.
Granting Bank of England independence brought economic stability, and Brown's debt cancellation for poor nations wrote off $100bn, funding schools and clinics globally. While his City regulation was too light and he didn't resign over Iraq, his accomplishments are immense, making him a towering figure in British history.
Continued Impact Beyond Politics
Brown is not done, acting as a UN education envoy, ensuring schooling for Syrian child refugees in Lebanon, and innovating with "multibanks" that provide essentials like food and clothing. He does more good as an ex-PM than many successors managed in office.
Often portrayed by a rightwing press focusing on his demons, this book redresses the balance, telling a story of drama, tragedy, and service. Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose by James Macintyre offers a comprehensive look at a life dedicated to moral purpose and public service.
