Gordon Brown, the former UK Prime Minister, has been hailed as the last serious politician in the midst of a showbiz-dominated political landscape. In an era where politicians increasingly engage in frivolous activities, Brown’s commitment to important issues and lack of interest in celebrity culture set him apart.
Listeners were reminded of Brown’s serious demeanor when he recently spoke about the harsh treatment of women in Afghanistan under the current regime. During his time as Prime Minister, Brown was often seen as too dour and uncompromising for modern politics. He rarely smiled and lacked the charm and charisma associated with showbiz politics.
The contrast between Brown and current politicians is stark. The Leader of the Opposition was seen tearing up on the show Life Stories with Piers Morgan, while his wife wiped away her tears from the audience. The Prime Minister himself was spotted dancing to Taylor Swift in Los Angeles, dressed in a fashionably tight-fitting suit that some considered inappropriate.
The higher echelons of politics now resemble a waiting room for entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Apprentice. Even former Prime Minister Theresa May awkwardly danced to Abba’s Dancing Queen during the 2018 Tory Party Conference.
Although Brown had his flaws, many regard him as the only remaining figure in British politics with gravitas since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He is the polar opposite of the politicians who eagerly participate in reality TV shows like I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! or Celebrity Bake Off.
To illustrate the stark contrast, a quiz was created where readers had to match various frivolous activities with senior politicians. These activities included eating unusual and unpleasant foods on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, performing the Charleston on Strictly Come Dancing, and writing novels about Irish communities with descriptive passages about characters’ physical appearances.
The current landscape is filled with politicians who have appeared on numerous shows, including Wife Swap, Strictly Come Dancing, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Come Dine With Me, and more. Some have even conducted extra-marital affairs and dressed up as cats on shows like Celebrity Big Brother.
While Brown was known for his seriousness and commitment to national issues, other politicians have been acting inconsistently. One politician delivered a powerful speech at a party conference, emphasizing their determination to lead the nation, only to resign soon after. Another filmed a video lip-syncing on TikTok, while a third attended a party in Italy where a fellow celebrity allegedly exposed themselves.
It is clear that the political landscape has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with entertainers seemingly dominating the scene. However, Brown’s steadfast and serious approach to politics has left a lasting impact. As history unfolds, he may well be remembered as the last serious politician to hold high office in Britain.
