James Macintyre’s biography of Gordon Brown shows the ex-prime minister as formidable and principled – but with a softer side
Timing, as they say, is everything. And what timing for James Macintyre’s new unauthorised biography of former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown – Power with Purpose – to drop, reports BritPanorama.
Brown, an integral part of the project that attempted to modernise left-wing politics in the United Kingdom in the 90s, has made headlines this week alongside his former rival, friend, and rival again, former British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson.
The latest drop of materials about convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein by the US Department of Justice on 30 January included three million pages, 180,000 images, 2,000 videos, and a number of household names, including Richard Branson, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk.
Fresh revelations in those documents concerning Mandelson – including that he told Epstein he had “convinced” Brown to stand down and disclosed information about secret talks between Brown and then-Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg – have rocked Britain’s Government so severely that they could ultimately lead to the end of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s career. Brown himself has called for an investigation.
Abhorrent as the content of the Epstein files is, references to Brown remind us of his historically significant role. As Macintyre details, his closeness to Mandelson – known as the Prince of Darkness long before the extent of his ties to Epstein emerged – appeared ill-judged even at the time.
While detailing Brown’s leadership challenge to Tony Blair, during which Mandelson ultimately backed Brown but initially appeared to side with Blair, Macintyre writes, “by this point, the relationship between Brown and Mandelson – once so close – was beginning to turn poisonous.”
Despite their disagreements, there was deep affection between Brown and Blair, as Macintyre chronicles through numerous interviews, including with Blair himself. Together, they managed to unify the left and the right of Britain’s Labour Party. Today, the first Labour Government since Blair and Brown’s may yet fall apart due to Mandelson, a figure who has long operated in the shadows of his party’s right wing, being welcomed back into the centre of power.
Macintyre’s biography arrives in the midst of one of the biggest scandals in British political history, offering an insightful perspective on Brown’s legacy. He remains a titan in the history of Britain’s left, characterised by significant policy changes such as making the Bank of England independent from the Government in 1997 and introducing the minimum wage.
Later, in 2008, Brown also adeptly handled the global financial crisis, averting disaster by nationalising Northern Rock, Bradford & Bingley, RBS (now NatWest), and parts of Lloyds Banking Group to stabilise Britain’s financial services. However, as Macintyre notes, some critics argue that Brown’s “light touch” banking regulations while Chancellor may have indirectly contributed to the crisis.
This biography stands out for its readability, embracing the complexities of Brown’s character, encompassing both his ruthless political strategies and his notable compassion – a contrast to his struggles as a Prime Minister who couldn’t quite convince the public he was the right leader.
Polls often suggest that Brown is the most popular living former Prime Minister, and his influence on politics remains profound. His work with Multibanks, providing necessary resources for low-income families, and his public interventions, such as calling on Starmer’s government to lift the two-child benefit cap, highlight his ongoing commitment to social issues.
In November 2024, an interview with Brown at a Multibank in Middlesbrough revealed his personable nature, marked by laughter and warmth. This was further emphasised when discussing the impact of the Educational Maintenance Allowance he introduced as Chancellor, which significantly helped students afford school-related expenses.
Brown is depicted as a formidable figure, but Macintyre also reveals a softer side, showcasing his principles and humility. The author describes Brown as capable of extraordinary acts of grace and generosity, such as offering condolences to Mandelson during personal hardships despite their political feud.
However, reconciliation with Mandelson seems unlikely now. This biography is timely, as it encapsulates the complexities of a politician whose integrity and steadfast principles contrast sharply with the current political landscape, where voters often favour more flamboyant candidates.
Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose by James Macintyre is published by Bloomsbury (£25)
