Brown jokes with college students

Gordon Brown has joked that he had considered taking courses in communication skills after being ousted as Prime Minister.

Mr Brown was speaking at a college in his constituency as he made his first public appearance since resigning two days ago.

His comments were greeted with applause and laughter by around 200 students and staff who had gathered at Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy.

Mr Brown said: "I was actually thinking of coming in today and applying for the course on communication skills, then I thought I might do public relations, then maybe media management, drama and performance.

"But I'm actually here to talk about how this college can expand in the future and to thank all of you for the support that you've given me and Sarah, not just over the last month but over the last many, many years. I'm very, very grateful."

He spoke in the hall where the count for his constituency of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath took place after the General Election a week ago. Mr Brown was returned with an increased majority and confirmed today that he would continue to sit as a backbench MP.

He said: "I wanted to be clear - I want to be doing what is my first love in politics and that is to serve the people of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and all the communities in this area, and to continue to do that with your support over the next few years."