James Forsyth James Forsyth

You couldn’t make it up: Blair wins a million bucks while Brown struggles desperately on

The contrasting fortunes of Blair and Brown over the last few years are like something out of a childhood morality tale. Impatient Gordon hurries Tony out of office before he wanted to go. The result: Blair escapes the blame for the financial crisis, leaves office with impressive approval ratings and secures a string of impressive international jobs. Also, by getting out before the crunch hits, Blair makes a small fortune on the international speaking circuit and raises enough money to get several charities growing. Meanwhile, Gordon inherits the crown at pretty much the worst possible time and now finds the Labour party almost certain to go down to a massive defeat and those close to him apparently looking for a face-saving exit for him.

It is hard to imagine that Brown is going to have a host of prestigious jobs offers after he leaves office.

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