The last vicar was the best vicar
It is an expression you will occasionally hear in Suffolk, and I think it will be worth remembering in the next few months.
Gordon Brown inevitably is enjoying a bounce in popularity, and that will be strengthened by the terrorist threats. However, at his age, people find it difficult to change, and his more well known characteristics will re-assert themselves.
It was to be expected that some journalists and commentators did not appreciate the ovation Tony Blair got in the chamber of the House of Commons last week. However, it was a recognition by politicians of a remarkable politician, something somewhat different from whether he was a good or bad Prime Minister. It was an acknowledgement of his political place in our history over 10 years.
I would be very surprised if in due course Gordon Brown will be applauded when he leaves the Prime Ministership. He is not to be underestimated, but as a pure politician and communicator, he is not in the same class.