BROWN, Rt Hon Gordon

Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath since 2005, for Dunfermline East 1983-2005. Political career: Prime Minister 2007-10; Chancellor of the Exchequer 1997-2007; Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer 1992-97; Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 1989-92; Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1987-89; Frontbench Spokesperson on Treasury Affairs since 1987; Chair, Labour Party, Scottish Council Health and Social Services Committee 1979-83; Parliamentary Candidate for Edinburgh South 1979; Chair, Scottish Labour Party and Member of its Executive Committee since 1977. Special political interests: Scotland. Profession/Trade: Lecturer, University of Edinburgh and Glasgow College of Technology; journalist with Scottish Television 1980-83. Education: Kirkcaldy High School; Edinburgh University, MA, PhD. Affiliations: TGWU; Rector, University of Edinburgh 1972-75. Author of: Britains Everyday Heroes; Courage: Eight Portraits; Values Visions and Voices A Socialist Anthology (1995); Where There is Greed (1989); Maxton (1986); Scotland: The Real Divide (1983); The Politics of Nationalism and Devolution (1980). Hobbies: Reading, writing, films, tennis, football. b. 20 February 1951.