Not for the first time, I suspect, Brown's timing appears to be a calculated reaction to something Blair has done. It's a pointed way of contrasting his own view of public service – modest and austere – with the glitzy high-roller's approach adopted by his old friend and rival.
Or might it just be that Gordon Brown, like the disgraced Conservative minister from the 1960's, John Profumo, feels the need for contrition, forgiveness and remorse after inflicting so great a tragedy on the people of this country.
No. Of course not.
