Gordon Brown to resign as MP next May

Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown has announced that he will stand down from the House of Commons next May and has ruled out taking a place in the House of Lords, saying "It's London we're leaving".

The expected decision for the 63-year-old politician after a 32-year career came this evening in his Kirkcaldy constituency, surrounded by his wife, Sarah and sons, John and James Fraser, other family and friends.

It was a time for a “new person, with new ideas” to represent the constituency, Mr Brown said. “We are not leaving Fife. It is London that I’m leaving and for the avoidance of any doubt, I’m not going back to Westminster, not to the House of Commons after the general election and not to the House of Lords.”

However, he said he would continue to act as the United Nations special envoy for global education – a role he has filled since he quit Downing Street in 2010 after an unhappy three years.

His successor in Downing Street, David Cameron led the tributes tonight, saying that Mr Brown had given a "huge amount" to the United Kingdom, and that he hoped he would continue "contributing to public life".

Mr Brown’s resignation followed a week of speculation on his future. In relaxed form, he joked: “It is a strange experience to read your obituary before you have retired.

“Today I have my say, tomorrow the newspapers will have their say, and then history will have its say.”

Mr Brown played a major role in the latter stages of the Scottish independence referendum campaign this year, and was credited by some with rescuing the pro-Union campaign in the final weeks.

His high profile sparked speculation that he would stand to become leader of Labour in Scotland, but that rumour, never really credible to begin with, was quickly shot down by him.

The tributes were quick in coming. Former Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell said people should never forget Mr Brown’s role in preventing a global depression in 2009. He said: “when the world economy stood on the abyss it was his determined action which persuaded many countries to take the cumulative steps which ensured that there was not a global depression.”

However, Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson struck the warmest tone when she said Mr Brown could leave the field of politics “with his head held high” after the role he played in the referendum campaign. “I think history will judge Gordon Brown more kindly than the rough and tumble of contemporary politics, particularly his time as chancellor, Ms Davidson said.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon, a political enemy, said Mr Brown had made "an enormous contribution over many years to Scottish, UK and international politics.

“While we have clearly had our political differences - most recently in the independence referendum - he has my very best wishes as he announces his retirement from politics and for whatever he decides to do in future,” she said.