Gordon Brown: The Nixon of British politics or the man who saved the Union? Twitter reacts to former Prime Minister's Commons farewell
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Version 0 of 1. Gordon Brown bid farewell to the House of Commons today and in his passionate valedictory speech he pledged to "fight, struggle, do battle and fight and fight again" for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom. He won obvious plaudits from his loyal followers but it was hardly the same send-off that Tony Blair received when MPs gave him a standing ovation. Valedictory speech from Gordon Brown in Chamber - a political giant of the last 25 years Gordon Brown is rolling back the years in the chamber here. At a time of at times bloodless technocracy, he using of the language of hope Gordon Brown giving his final parliamentary speech. Whatever one's opinions of him, he's a huge figure leaving the stage It was all rather dull compared to his predecessor's departure though: The final appearance from the former Prime Minister, who only served three years in Downing Street, even drew comparisons to the impeached Richard Nixon, the only US President to resign from office. Gordon Brown will go down as the Nixon of British Politics. Partisan, divisive, petty. Glad to see him go and I don't wish to see him again And Mr Brown's poor attendance record in his final five years in Parliament was pointed out by quite a few, including this Ukipper: Imagine a Britain where voters had decent representation. Gordon Brown took part in just 12% of votes this Parliament. Labour bigwigs who sat in the chamber to support their former leader's final Commons appearance included Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, Tessa Jowell and front-benchers Yvette Cooper, Michael Dugher and Ed Balls, who sat next to his old master. The pair can be overheard saying "2.5, 1.5, 4.7. That's the aim": Not everyone is coping too well with the thought that Gordon Brown will never appear in the Commons ever again. His fan club was out in full force to give him a good send off on Twitter: I am not coping very well with the idea that today is Gordon Brown's last day in Parliament... Can't believe Gordon Brown is leaving the Chamber. He was nothing short of incredible, inspirational and passionate. Thanks for all you did. Gordon Brown, who helped save the Union, now giving his final speech in the House of Commons. |