Gordon Brown served as British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2010. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1997 to 2007, making him the longest-serving Chancellor in modern history. Brown’s time as Chancellor was marked by major reform of Britain’s monetary and fiscal policy and sustained investment in health, education, and overseas aid.
The Brown family moved into 10 Downing Street in June 2007 and Gordon quickly set about introducing changes like neighbourhood policing in every area, the world’s first ever Climate Chance Act and a legally-enforceable right to early cancer screening and treatment. As Prime Minister, his tenure coincided with the recent financial crisis, and he was one of the first to initiate calls for global financial action; his administration also simultaneously introduced a range of rescue measures within the country.
Brown has a Ph.D. in History from the University of Edinburgh, and he spent his early career working as a lecturer. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1983. He is married to Sarah Brown, a charity campaigner, and the couple have two young sons.