Ex-PM Brown's new book will tell of family's tragic loss

Former prime minister ­Gordon Brown is writing a candid memoir of his time at the top of British politics and the personal tragedies he has suffered, publishers have announced.

Gordon Brown's new book will tell of the family's tragic loss. Picture: Contributed.

The ex-Labour leader’s book, to be released in the autumn, will give a “vivid account” of his 40-year political career.

Mr Brown will also reflect on the tragic death of his daughter Jennifer, ten days after her birth at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. She was born seven weeks early by Caesarean section and weighed only 2lb 4oz.

The Edinburgh University graduate will also touch on the personal and professional struggles he faced after nearly losing his eyesight as a young man.

He said: “In sharing my experiences over the past four decades and the lessons I have learned as a politician, economist, chancellor and prime minister, I hope to shed light on the tumultuous change we are now facing and to offer insights that may be useful in furthering the cause of progressive politics.

“I hope to inspire confidence that we can meet these fresh challenges with a renewed sense of shared values and purpose.”

The so-called Granita pact between Mr Brown and Tony Blair over the leadership of the Labour Party turned their ­political relationship toxic.

After a decade as chancellor, Mr Brown finally became Prime Minister but was soon plunged into dealing with the financial crisis and was kicked out by voters after just three years in No 10.

The former premier will give an insight into these turbulent times and “reflect candidly” on the successes and challenges of Labour governments, according to the publishers.

He will also reveal some “harsh truths” about British politics today and the “huge changes” in the Labour Party in recent times.

The proceeds from the book will go to the Edinburgh-based Jennifer Brown Research ­Laboratory and Theirworld, an international children’s charity, as well as other charitable work carried out by Mr Brown and wife Sarah.

Editorial director Will Hammond said: “Gordon Brown’s unique vantage point on the major shifts in British politics from the 1980s to the present make for a riveting book and equip him to explain the world we face today with genuine insight.

“As well as being a book of urgent importance, it presents the life and thinking of a man of deep principle and intellect as well as a reminder of what can be achieved by progressive politics. The Bodley Head and Vintage are proud to be his publishers for this important book.”