Gordon Brown appointed to World Economic Forum role

By Jonathan Isaby

It has just been announced that Gordon Brown is to take on a new role as an adviser to the World Economic Forum, for whom he will chair a new policy and initiatives coordination board. According to the WEF, this will be "an informal group bringing together heads of international organizations and government representatives to analyse, assess and coordinate the prioritization, development and impact of multistakeholder initiatives within the global system".

Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF clearly believes this is a coup:

“Gordon Brown will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the World Economic Forum. As his recent book clearly demonstrates, he has valuable insights into the global agenda that will complement and inform many of the Forum’s initiatives. His counsel will help ensure that the Forum remains rigorous and focused – true to its commitment to improve the state of the world.”

ITV's Alex Forrest has tweeted that a spokesman for Brown has confirmed that he will remain as an MP and that the unpaid role will be to "stop the next financial crisis".

It's a shame he didn't prepare the UK rather better in advance of the current one.

Update: It has been pointed out to me that one of the most senior Brits involved in running the WEF as Director, Head of Europe and Central Asia is the Hon. Stephen Kinnock, son of another former Labour leader...