Gordon Brown ‘to stand down as an MP’

Gordon Brown is set to stand down at next year’s general election.

The former Prime Minister has maintained a low profile at Westminster since he led Labour to a heavy election defeat in 2010, preferring to focus on charity work and his role as a United Nations special envoy.

He appeared reinvigorated following his dramatic late involvement in the Scottish independence referendum campaign in the summer, but rejected suggestions he could become the party’s leader north of the border.

Mr Brown is expected to announce his decision to end his parliamentary career within days, according to the Sunday Mirror.

“Gordon has confirmed to friends that he will stand down at the election in May,” an ally told the newspaper.

“He wants to go out on a high after effectively salvaging the campaign to keep the UK together in September. He will focus on his charity work.”

Labour sources confirmed yesterday they expected him to retire as the MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath following a Commons career that began in 1983.

There was no comment from Mr Brown’s office on the report.