Brown: I’ll keep going if I don’t get a majority

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Pressed on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour this morning as to whether he would continue as Labour leader even if the party cannot secure a majority at the forthcoming election, Gordon Brown responded “I will keep going”.

In the context of the broader discussion about the type of reforms Labour is seeking for the country, this could be interpreted as meaning Brown will fight on in politics, in public service or in some other capacity in the party.

But in light of a few recent rumours recently, today’s remarks are worth considering. James Macintrye wrote in January that Brown would seek to stay on even if he loses. In today’s Times, that sentiment was repeated.

Speaking to Piers Morgan last month, Brown had said he make that decision if and when the time came based on the circumstances. I think it’s likely that that’s still the case, that Brown hasn’t committed either way, but that he is expressing how determined he is to win this election and thereby deflecting persistent questions about the Labour leadership at this time, when they are not helpful or even particularly relevant.