Gordon Brown rules out return to frontline politics

After his spectacular return to prominence in the final weeks of the referendum campaign – with many crediting his interventions as crucial in securing a final swing towards the No campaign – rumours began to circulate that Gordon Brown might make a more permanent return to frontline politics. His barnstorming speech on Wednesday in particular reminded many in the Labour Party of what they once admired so much in the former PM.

Yet today – as he spoke publicly about the “triple-lock” that secures more powers for Scotland – Brown said that he wouldn’t be making a comeback:

“I’m not making a comeback to frontline politics. I’m too old to be the comeback kid, by the way.”

However, Brown ruled out stepping back from politics altogether, when he said he was “too young to be an elder statesman as well”. Staying on as an MP? Becoming an MSP? Or perhaps an international job? (How could Cameron block such a move now?)

Whatever Gordon Brown decides to do, he will have support and suitors aplenty – that’s an incredible turnaround from where he was presumed to be just a few short weeks ago.