Gordon Brown reveals that 10 Downing Street will likely never undergo a complete renovation because no Prime Minister is willing to vacate it for an extended period, fearing they may not return. The former Labour leader, aged 74, who served as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010 after Tony Blair, highlighted the lack of permanent chefs in Downing Street and the overall need for upgrades in various areas of the historic building.
According to Brown, when a PM is informed by the civil service about the necessity for refurbishment, the timeline for the project typically requires them to relocate for at least five years, a risk few are willing to take due to the uncertainty of remaining in power. Brown cited an example involving Keir Starmer being confronted with this predicament recently.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Scotland during a podcast with Ruthie Rogers, Brown shared anecdotes about his childhood struggles, including living in poverty and his first encounter with alcohol as a teenager while recuperating in a hospital. Recalling a rugby injury that left him blind in one eye during his university years, Brown humorously recounted his introduction to alcoholic drinks offered to him as a patient, highlighting the lighter side of his early experiences.
The complete conversation with Gordon Brown can be found on the latest episode of Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, available now for listeners.