Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has revealed that the full refurbishment of Number 10 Downing Street is unlikely to ever happen because no PM is willing to vacate the premises for an extended period. Brown, who served as PM from 2007 to 2010, highlighted the reluctance of prime ministers to leave due to uncertainties about returning.
According to Brown, the historic building urgently needs renovation, with even the kitchen lacking full-time chefs. He shared an anecdote about the challenges faced by Prime Ministers when presented with renovation plans, emphasizing the dilemma of being asked to vacate for up to five years without a guarantee of returning.
Reflecting on his past, Brown also discussed his childhood in Scotland, reminiscing about growing up in poverty and experiencing wartime shortages. He touched on a personal anecdote about his first encounter with alcohol as a teenager, which occurred during his time in the hospital recovering from a rugby injury that left him blind in one eye.
Brown’s insights were shared during an interview on Ruthie Rogers’ Table 4 podcast, where he delved into various aspects of his life and career. The podcast episode featuring the full interview with Gordon Brown is now available for listeners.