James Gordon Brown Biography

James Gordon Brown is born in Giffnock near Glasgow.

Brown's family moves to Kirkcaldy, where his father serves as a Church of Scotland minister.

Brown attends Kirkcaldy High School and develops interests in history and public affairs.

A rugby injury causes a detached retina and permanently affects Brown's eyesight.

Brown enters the University of Edinburgh at the age of sixteen.

Brown joins the Labour Party while studying in Edinburgh.

Brown is elected Rector of the University of Edinburgh and chairs the University Court.

Brown graduates from the University of Edinburgh with first-class honours in history.

Brown wins the rectorial election after campaigning for stronger student participation.

Brown chairs the University Court while advocating reforms in university governance.

Brown begins lecturing at the University of Edinburgh.

Brown lectures in politics at Glasgow College of Technology.

Brown teaches political studies at Glasgow College of Technology.

Brown contests Edinburgh South but is not elected to Parliament.

Brown becomes a current-affairs editor at Scottish Television.

Brown works in television current affairs before entering Parliament.

Brown completes research examining the Labour Party and political change in Scotland.

Brown receives a doctorate in history from the University of Edinburgh.

Brown makes his first parliamentary speech after representing Dunfermline East.

Brown chairs the Scottish Labour Party during the 1983–84 period.

Brown is elected Member of Parliament for Dunfermline East.

Brown begins his parliamentary career as Labour MP for Dunfermline East.

Brown and Tony Blair enter Parliament together after the 1983 general election.

Brown helps shape Labour's Scottish political strategy after the 1983 defeat.

Brown publishes a political biography of Independent Labour Party leader James Maxton.

Brown co-authors a study of Scottish socialist James Maxton.

Brown joins Labour's senior Treasury team after the general election.

Brown retains Dunfermline East at the general election.

Brown becomes Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Brown develops Labour policy on industry, competition and regional economic development.

Brown becomes Labour's Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary.

Brown takes responsibility for Labour's national tax, spending and monetary-policy programme.

Labour appoints Brown Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Brown is re-elected for Dunfermline East after Labour's fourth consecutive defeat.

Brown wins election to Labour's Shadow Cabinet.

Brown is elected to Labour's National Executive Committee.

John Smith's death triggers a Labour leadership contest and discussions between Brown and Tony Blair.

Brown promotes fiscal discipline and economic stability before the next general election.

Brown commits Labour to initial adherence to the Conservative Government's spending plans.

James Gordon Brown presents the 1997 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1997 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown transfers government debt management from the Bank of England to a Treasury agency.

Brown adopts a fiscal rule allowing borrowing only for investment across the economic cycle.

Brown sets a rule intended to maintain public debt at a prudent level.

Brown retains Dunfermline East during Labour's landslide general-election victory.

Brown is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer after Labour's election victory.

Brown formally takes charge of HM Treasury as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Brown grants the Bank operational independence to set interest rates.

Brown grants the Bank of England operational independence over interest-rate decisions.

Brown establishes a committee-based system for independent interest-rate decisions.

Brown reduces the main corporation-tax rate in his first Budget.

Brown introduces a windfall tax on privatised utilities and announces employment measures.

Brown announces employment support for young people funded by the windfall tax.

Brown uses a one-off utility levy to finance employment and training programmes.

Brown imposes a windfall tax on previously privatised utility companies.

Brown says Britain will not join the single currency during that Parliament.

Brown concludes that the five economic tests for early euro entry are not met.

Brown sets five economic tests governing any decision to join the European single currency.

Brown tells Parliament that euro membership depends on five economic assessments.

Reports describe increasing political tension between Brown's Treasury team and Blair's advisers.

James Gordon Brown presents the 1998 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1998 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

The new Debt Management Office assumes responsibility for government debt operations.

The Bank of England Act places monetary-policy independence on a statutory basis.

Brown introduces a multi-year spending framework linked to departmental objectives.

James Gordon Brown presents the 1999 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 1999 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown introduces a ten-percent starting rate of income tax.

The first Treasury auction begins a programme reducing official gold reserves.

The Treasury begins a programme of auctions reducing Britain's official gold holdings.

Brown introduces a tax credit intended to make employment pay for lower-income families.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2000 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2000 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown sets substantial three-year increases for health and education budgets.

Brown announces major multi-year increases for health, education and other public services.

Brown marries Sarah Macaulay at their home in North Queensferry.

Brown combines the pension increase with additional support for older households.

Brown announces a five-pound weekly increase in the basic state pension.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2001 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2001 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown expands tax support for households raising children.

Brown supports increased investment in schools, teachers and early-years services.

Brown prepares long-term increases in National Health Service expenditure.

Brown retains Dunfermline East and continues as Chancellor.

Brown begins a second Labour term as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2002 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2002 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

The Treasury completes the multi-year programme of official gold auctions.

Brown announces sustained real-terms NHS funding increases backed by higher contributions.

Brown raises National Insurance contributions to fund higher National Health Service spending.

The Tax Credits Act creates child and working tax credits.

Brown announces another multi-year settlement for public-service expenditure.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2003 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2003 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown proposes savings accounts for children supported by government payments.

The Bank of England reduces its policy rate to 3.75 percent.

Brown monitors financial conditions as the FTSE 100 falls to an eight-year low.

Brown concludes that Britain should not adopt the euro because the economic tests are unmet.

The Treasury publishes detailed evidence supporting the decision against immediate euro entry.

The Treasury publishes its detailed assessment of the five economic tests.

Brown urges Labour to remain bold, united and rooted in its political identity.

Speculation grows that Blair may eventually support Brown as his successor.

Brown's allies claim new discussions concern the timing of Tony Blair's eventual departure.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2004 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2004 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown helps establish an international commission proposing action on African development.

Legislation establishes long-term savings accounts for eligible children.

Brown becomes Britain's longest continuously serving Chancellor in modern times.

Brown surpasses the continuous tenure of other modern Chancellors.

Brown advocates increased British and international development spending.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2005 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2005 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown argues that European reform should support employment, competition and economic flexibility.

Labour's manifesto promises a public referendum on the proposed European Union Constitution.

Brown helps present Labour's economic programme for a third term in government.

Brown helps present Labour's economic programme for a third term in government.

General election outcome recorded for James Gordon Brown: Brown helps present Labour's economic programme for a third term in government.

Government context for this general election: Brown helps present Labour's economic programme for a third term in government.

Brown promotes long-term bond financing to accelerate vaccination programmes in poorer countries.

Brown defends continued investment in health, education and local services.

Brown promotes stability, investment and employment as Labour's central economic commitments.

Time includes Brown in its annual list of influential international figures.

Brown proposes expanded international aid, debt relief and development finance for Africa.

Brown campaigns for richer countries to increase long-term development assistance.

Brown is elected for the newly created Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.

Brown wins the newly drawn Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath seat.

G8 finance ministers agree debt cancellation for qualifying low-income countries.

Brown addresses campaigners seeking debt relief, fairer trade and increased aid.

Brown supports agreements increasing aid and cancelling debt at the G8 summit.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2006 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2006 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown highlights lower unemployment and sustained economic growth since Labour entered office.

Brown cites international data comparing British and euro-area economic growth.

Labour loses the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election after a campaign involving Brown.

Brown campaigns in a Scottish by-election that Labour loses to the Liberal Democrats.

Tony Blair confirms that the Labour conference will be his last as party leader.

Brown presents the Stern Review's economic case for early action on climate change.

Brown delivers his final Pre-Budget Report as Chancellor.

James Gordon Brown presents the 2007 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 2007 Budget under James Gordon Brown sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.

Brown's chancellorship concludes after sustained expansion of public-service expenditure.

Brown presents his eleventh and final Budget as Chancellor.

Tony Blair publicly praises Brown's ability as the leadership transition approaches.

Brown secures overwhelming support from Labour Members of Parliament for his leadership bid.

Blair confirms that he will resign as Prime Minister on 27 June.

Brown launches his leadership campaign with proposals for citizenship and constitutional reform.

Brown launches his campaign promising to listen, learn and lead change.

Brown launches his campaign to succeed Tony Blair as Labour leader.

Brown becomes the only candidate with sufficient nominations for the Labour leadership.

Brown sets out proposals on standards, accountability and constitutional change.

Brown is formally declared Leader of the Labour Party.

Brown becomes Labour leader without an opposing candidate.

Brown becomes Prime Minister after Tony Blair resigns.

Brown leaves the Treasury after more than ten years as Chancellor.

Brown enters Downing Street and begins forming his first Cabinet.

The Queen appoints Brown Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.

Brown appoints a Cabinet combining experienced ministers with several new members.

Brown issues a revised code setting standards and responsibilities for ministers.

Brown coordinates government assistance during severe flooding across parts of England.

Brown proposes limits on executive powers and stronger parliamentary accountability.

The Mental Health Act changes detention, treatment and professional-role provisions.

British forces withdraw from Basra Palace to the airport base.

The Government guarantees existing Northern Rock retail deposits to stop the run.

Brown decides against calling an early general election after weeks of speculation.

Brown says British troop numbers in Basra will fall further by spring 2008.

Brown announces plans for a substantial reduction of British forces in southern Iraq.

Brown announces a staged reduction in British troop numbers in Iraq.

The Legal Services Act reforms regulation and creates the Legal Services Board.

The UK Borders Act changes immigration enforcement, biometric registration and border powers.

Brown signs the European Union reform treaty at Lisbon.

Brown signs the Treaty of Lisbon after becoming Prime Minister.

During James Gordon Brown's government, hPV vaccination becomes available for schoolgirls aged 12 to help prevent cervical cancer.

The Labour Party Government is in office as this NHS milestone occurs: HPV vaccination becomes available for schoolgirls aged 12 to help prevent cervical cancer.

This NHS development occurs while James Gordon Brown serves as Prime Minister: HPV vaccination becomes available for schoolgirls aged 12 to help prevent cervical cancer.

Brown's government defends legislation ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon.

The Commons gives the European Union Amendment Bill its second reading.

Brown's government chooses temporary public ownership after private-sale efforts fail.

Brown's government announces that Northern Rock will enter temporary public ownership.

Northern Rock formally transfers into temporary public ownership.

Labour records its weakest local-election performance for several decades.

The Act changes sentencing, criminal justice and immigration provisions.

The Government confronts the sharpest annual fall in house prices since 1992.

Brown's government confronts inflationary pressure as oil prices reach a record level.

The Act creates the Homes and Communities Agency and reforms social-housing regulation.

Several Labour MPs publicly question Brown's leadership during the financial crisis.

Brown calls for an end to irresponsible behaviour in global financial markets.

Brown argues that international cooperation is essential during the global financial crisis.

Brown proposes additional European financing support for small businesses.

Brown outlines capital, liquidity and guarantee measures supporting the banking system.

The rescue plan includes guarantees intended to reopen medium-term bank funding.

Brown announces an emergency programme to recapitalise banks and guarantee funding.

Brown unveils capital injections, debt guarantees and expanded liquidity support.

Brown condemns bankers whose excessive risks threaten households and the wider economy.

Brown appears as a surprise guest at the Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.

The Government commits up to thirty-seven billion pounds to strengthen major banks.

The Government announces capital support for RBS, HBOS and Lloyds TSB.

The Government announces detailed capital support for major British banking groups.

Brown presents state intervention as necessary to protect savings, businesses and employment.

Brown joins European leaders coordinating bank recapitalisation and medium-term funding measures.

Brown explains the Government's intervention to stabilise banks and protect the economy.

The Government begins implementing its bank recapitalisation package.

Brown promotes coordinated European action to restore bank lending and confidence.

Treasury support creates large public stakes in RBS and the Lloyds-HBOS group.

The recapitalisation plan gives taxpayers substantial ownership interests in rescued banks.

Brown says the Government will provide stability during severe financial turbulence.

The Government announces a temporary reduction in VAT to support demand during recession.

The Climate Change Act establishes legally binding emissions-reduction targets.

Brown's government enacts the world's first statutory national emissions-reduction framework.

The Counter-Terrorism Act changes information, sentencing and investigative powers.

Brown's government increases borrowing as recession reduces revenue and raises support costs.

The Banking Act creates a permanent framework for resolving failing banks.

Government record concerning the IRA: Brown condemns the Real IRA attack that kills two British soldiers.

Historical IRA record under Labour Party Government: Brown condemns the Real IRA attack that kills two British soldiers.

IRA context for James Gordon Brown: Brown condemns the Real IRA attack that kills two British soldiers.

Brown condemns the Real IRA attack that kills two British soldiers.

Brown compares shared ethical teachings across Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.

Brown delivers a prime-ministerial address on responsibility, fairness and shared moral principles.

Brown secures international commitments on financial supervision, resources and economic recovery.

G20 leaders pledge additional international resources worth approximately 1.1 trillion dollars.

The Budget introduces incentives encouraging consumers to replace older vehicles.

British combat operations in Iraq formally conclude under Brown's premiership.

Brown supports reforms after publication of parliamentary-expenses claims.

Labour finishes third in the European Parliament election vote.

Labour suffers heavy losses in the European Parliament elections.

Brown establishes an independent inquiry chaired by John Chilcot.

Brown announces an independent inquiry into Britain's participation in the Iraq War.

Brown uses his award speech to advocate cooperation, human rights and interfaith understanding.

Brown receives the Appeal of Conscience Foundation's World Statesman award.

Brown announces additional British troops subject to allied and equipment commitments.

Brown participates in negotiations seeking an international agreement on climate action.

The treaty makes qualified-majority voting the standard procedure in additional Council decisions.

Brown's government implements the institutional changes created by the Treaty of Lisbon.

The treaty introduces a future double-majority system for qualified-majority voting.

The Treaty of Lisbon enters into force across the European Union.

The voting system requires support from a majority of European Union member states.

The treaty expands opportunities for national parliaments to examine European legislation.

The treaty establishes population and member-state thresholds for future Council majorities.

The treaty extends qualified-majority voting across additional European policy areas.

Brown publishes a book analysing the financial crisis and proposals for global cooperation.

Supports creation of a continuing international support process for Yemen.

The initiative links security concerns with economic and governance assistance.

Brown's government coordinates with the United States over security threats in Yemen.

Britain temporarily closes its embassy in Yemen after warnings of an al-Qaeda threat.

Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon call for a secret ballot on Brown's leadership.

Encourages coordinated international support for the Yemeni government.

Hosts an international meeting focused on Yemen's security and development.

Brown helps secure agreement on devolving policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.

Brown announces that the general election will be held on 6 May.

Brown announces that the general election will be held on 6 May.

General election outcome recorded for James Gordon Brown: Brown announces that the general election will be held on 6 May.

Government context for this general election: Brown announces that the general election will be held on 6 May.

Parliament is dissolved and formal general-election campaigning begins.

Brown participates in Britain's first televised general-election leaders' debate.

Brown apologises after a private remark about voter Gillian Duffy is broadcast.

Brown leads Labour into the general election that produces a hung Parliament.

The election produces a hung Parliament and negotiations over a new government.

Brown resigns as Prime Minister after coalition negotiations produce a Conservative-led government.

Brown resigns after the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats agree to form a coalition.

The United Nations Secretary-General appoints Brown Special Envoy for Global Education.

Brown leads an international petition supporting Malala Yousafzai and universal education.

Brown campaigns for Scotland to remain within a reformed United Kingdom.

Brown's thirty-two-year service in the House of Commons comes to an end.

Brown publishes a memoir reflecting on family, politics, government and the financial crisis.

The World Health Organization appoints Brown Ambassador for Global Health Financing.

Brown presents proposals for devolution, economic renewal and reform of central government.

The Prime Minister appoints Brown to advise on international finance and security cooperation.