Gordon: People are cruel, but I don’t get hurt by abuse anymore

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Gordon Brown has given good interview to the Times this morning, in which he talks about his defiance in the face of Conservative and media attacks:

“People are pretty cruel sometimes,” he tells The Times. “I think it does affect you when people say, ‘Oh, this guy’s got a … weird smile,’ and ‘This guy’s got something wrong about the way he speaks’ .”

He claims, however, that he has learnt to cope with personal criticism. “I don’t get hurt any more.”

The Labour leader says in the interview in today’s Magazine that he does not fear rejection and could imagine a life without politics. “I am not going into this election fearing rejection. I mean, if people decide not to vote for us, I will accept that. I have to accept it, so I will accept it. I do not think I am motivated by the fear of rejection.”

Read the full interview here.