Gordon Brown, like many of his radical ilk, entered politics to change the world, only to find that the world changed him.

In the 1970s he called for the nationalisation of all the basic industries. He sat on committees opposed to the legislation that would have weakened trade unions.

In the 1980s he published an attack on Margaret Thatcher's government 'where there is greed.'

In the 1990s he got attracted to New Labour, which meant ditching everything he ever stood for.

He wore suits for every occasion, had his teeth fixed, smiled at the appropriate moment and kissed babies at election time. As he climbed the political ladder his salary and lifestyle became much greater than that of the people he represented.

John Lennon described the situation so well. 'The king' is not killed by his enemies, but by his courtiers. They tie him to the throne because their own position depends on him.

Watching Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, stuttering and spluttering as the vultures close in is a sad demise of a hardworking, intelligent man who, like so many well intentioned people before him, has betrayed his roots.

JOHN APPLEYARD
Firthcliffe Parade
LIVERSEDGE