Gordon Brown: The Nixon of British politics or the man who saved the Union? Twitter reacts to former Prime Minister's Commons farewell
He pledged to go on fighting to keep Scotland in the UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Gordon Brown bid farewell to the House of Commons today and in his passionate valedictory speech he pledged to "fight, struggle, do battle and fight and fight again" for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom.
He won obvious plaudits from his loyal followers but it was hardly the same send-off that Tony Blair received when MPs gave him a standing ovation.
It was all rather dull compared to his predecessor's departure though:
The final appearance from the former Prime Minister, who only served three years in Downing Street, even drew comparisons to the impeached Richard Nixon, the only US President to resign from office.
And Mr Brown's poor attendance record in his final five years in Parliament was pointed out by quite a few, including this Ukipper:
Labour bigwigs who sat in the chamber to support their former leader's final Commons appearance included Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, Tessa Jowell and front-benchers Yvette Cooper, Michael Dugher and Ed Balls, who sat next to his old master.
The pair can be overheard saying "2.5, 1.5, 4.7. That's the aim":
Not everyone is coping too well with the thought that Gordon Brown will never appear in the Commons ever again. His fan club was out in full force to give him a good send off on Twitter:
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments