Every Picture Tells A Story
Gordon Brown is a very peculiar person - by all accounts.
A big man, physically speaking - with a huge intellect, strong moral compass and insatiable work ethic - someone who doesn't suffer fools gladly - but whose passion and commitment cannot be gainsaid.
Yet the other side of Gordon Brown is a man that lacks confidence - afraid of taking risks and showing leadership - who works best through a network of cronies - and who makes a move only when the odds are stacked in his favour.
And it is the second side of Gordon Brown that has been on display - during the phone hacking scandal - as it was during his three years Prime Minister.
Gordon Brown would have us believe that for many years he has been waging a secret war against News International - but the reality is that when the shooting started he was nowhere to be seen.
Because Gordon Brown only entered the field of battle once the outcome was clear - when no one was shooting back in anger - and long after his 'enemies' had been routed.
The Times published the other day an illuminating 'diary' about Gordon Brown's contacts with News International - both before and during his time as Prime Minister.
Starting in November 2006 when The Sun broke the news about Fraser Brown suffering from cystic fibrosis - which brought his father to tears.
30 November 2006
The Sun breaks the news about Gordon Brown's son suffering from cystic fibrosis - the story was written by George Pascoe-Watson, the Sun's Political Editor - the Guardian lifts the copy and publishes the details as well.
13 June 2007
Gordon and Sarah Brown are guests of Rupert Murdoch at his annual summer party.
25 July 2007
Gordon Brown gives first highly prized interview as Prime Minister to no less than George Pascoe-Watson and The Sun.
6 and 7 October 2007
Rupert Murdoch is the guest of Gordon Brown at Chequers - the Prime Minister's country residence.
3 March 2008
Gordon and Sarah Brown invite Rebekah Wade (now Brooks), Sun Editor, to Downing Street for a lunch marking International Women's Day.
18 February 2008
Gordon Brown presents a Global Recognition Award to UK Armed Forces - at ceremony hosted by Rebekah Wade.
16 June 2008
Sarah Brown hosts a 'slumber party' at Chequers for 15 successful women - including Rupert Murdoch's wife - Wendi - and the media tycoon's daughter - Elizabeth.
15 June 2008
Rupert Murdoch is Gordon Brown's guest at Downing Street at an official dinner for George W Bush - US President at the time.
16 June 2008
Gordon Brown, Rebekah wade and Elizabeth Murdoch all go to Somerset House together - for Rupert Murdoch's annual summer party.
10 July 2008
Gordon Brown hosts a reception for a Sun backed Police Bravery Awards ceremony
27 July 2008
Sarah Brown Rebekah wade attend book launch together - Sarah brown is pictured with Rupert Murdoch's wife - Wendi.
13 June 2009
Gordon Brown and Rupert Murdoch attend the wedding party for Rebekah Brooks (nee Wade).
17 June 2009
Gordon Brown and Sarah Brown both attend Rupert Murdoch's summer party at the Oxo Tower in London.
17 July 2009
Gordon Brown hosts a Sun backed Police Bravery Awards ceremony - Sarah Brown presents the 'top award'.
29 September 2009
Gordon Brown fails to attend The Sun's party at the Labour party annual conference - after learning that The Sun would be abandoning its support for Labour at the next general election.
Every picture tells a story - as they say - and in this case it's the exact opposite of what Gordon Brown would have us all believe.
A big man, physically speaking - with a huge intellect, strong moral compass and insatiable work ethic - someone who doesn't suffer fools gladly - but whose passion and commitment cannot be gainsaid.
Yet the other side of Gordon Brown is a man that lacks confidence - afraid of taking risks and showing leadership - who works best through a network of cronies - and who makes a move only when the odds are stacked in his favour.
And it is the second side of Gordon Brown that has been on display - during the phone hacking scandal - as it was during his three years Prime Minister.
Gordon Brown would have us believe that for many years he has been waging a secret war against News International - but the reality is that when the shooting started he was nowhere to be seen.
Because Gordon Brown only entered the field of battle once the outcome was clear - when no one was shooting back in anger - and long after his 'enemies' had been routed.
The Times published the other day an illuminating 'diary' about Gordon Brown's contacts with News International - both before and during his time as Prime Minister.
Starting in November 2006 when The Sun broke the news about Fraser Brown suffering from cystic fibrosis - which brought his father to tears.
30 November 2006
The Sun breaks the news about Gordon Brown's son suffering from cystic fibrosis - the story was written by George Pascoe-Watson, the Sun's Political Editor - the Guardian lifts the copy and publishes the details as well.
13 June 2007
Gordon and Sarah Brown are guests of Rupert Murdoch at his annual summer party.
25 July 2007
Gordon Brown gives first highly prized interview as Prime Minister to no less than George Pascoe-Watson and The Sun.
6 and 7 October 2007
Rupert Murdoch is the guest of Gordon Brown at Chequers - the Prime Minister's country residence.
3 March 2008
Gordon and Sarah Brown invite Rebekah Wade (now Brooks), Sun Editor, to Downing Street for a lunch marking International Women's Day.
18 February 2008
Gordon Brown presents a Global Recognition Award to UK Armed Forces - at ceremony hosted by Rebekah Wade.
16 June 2008
Sarah Brown hosts a 'slumber party' at Chequers for 15 successful women - including Rupert Murdoch's wife - Wendi - and the media tycoon's daughter - Elizabeth.
15 June 2008
Rupert Murdoch is Gordon Brown's guest at Downing Street at an official dinner for George W Bush - US President at the time.
16 June 2008
Gordon Brown, Rebekah wade and Elizabeth Murdoch all go to Somerset House together - for Rupert Murdoch's annual summer party.
10 July 2008
Gordon Brown hosts a reception for a Sun backed Police Bravery Awards ceremony
27 July 2008
Sarah Brown Rebekah wade attend book launch together - Sarah brown is pictured with Rupert Murdoch's wife - Wendi.
13 June 2009
Gordon Brown and Rupert Murdoch attend the wedding party for Rebekah Brooks (nee Wade).
17 June 2009
Gordon Brown and Sarah Brown both attend Rupert Murdoch's summer party at the Oxo Tower in London.
17 July 2009
Gordon Brown hosts a Sun backed Police Bravery Awards ceremony - Sarah Brown presents the 'top award'.
29 September 2009
Gordon Brown fails to attend The Sun's party at the Labour party annual conference - after learning that The Sun would be abandoning its support for Labour at the next general election.
Every picture tells a story - as they say - and in this case it's the exact opposite of what Gordon Brown would have us all believe.
