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Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 June, 2004, 16:07 GMT 17:07 UK

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Gordon Brown timeline

20 February, 1951

Born in Glasgow Scotland son of Church of Scotland minister John Brown and Elizabeth Brown.

October, 1967

Early entry into Edinburgh University where he becomes chairman of university Labour club.

October, 1972

Elected rector of Edinburgh University while studying for PhD in history. Thesis on radical Labour leader James Maxton.

1 October, 1976

Lecturer at Edinburgh University and at Glasgow College of Technology.

3 May, 1979

Stands unsuccessfully for Parliament as Labour candidate for Edinburgh South.

9 June, 1983

Elected to Parliament as Labour member for Dunfermline East.

November, 1992

Made Shadow Chancellor by John Smith following Labours defeat by John Major and resignation of Neil Kinnock.

June, 1994

Does not run for Labour leadership after John Smiths death. Reportedly makes pact with Blair in London restaurant Granita.

2 May, 1997

Becomes Chancellor following Labours landslide victory. Gives Bank of England independence to set interest rates.

June, 1997

Introduces a tough budget which freezes spending at levels proposed by his Conservative predecessor Kenneth Clarke.

October, 1997

Announces five key economic tests before the UK could join the euro the single currency.

July, 1998

First comprehensive spending review sets out government plans over the next three years with performance targets.

3 August, 2000

Marries Sarah Macaulay in Scotland after a four year courtship.

7 June, 2001

Cochair of Labours campaign which leads to another landslide General Election victory.

7 January, 2002

Gordon and Sarah Browns first child Jennifer Jane who was born prematurely dies after living only 10 days.

29 September, 2003

Brown urges return to traditional Labour values at party conference it is widely seen as revealing his leadership ambitions.

17 October, 2003

The Browns second child John is born. The Chancellor takes paternity leave ahead of Budget statement.

April, 2004

Latest budget confirms big increases for health and education spending despite a growing budget deficit.

9 January, 2005

The state of the relationship between Blair and Brown is raised as Browns Britain by Robert Preston is published.

5 May, 2005

Labour wins an historic third consecutive term in office. Brown retains his post as chancellor in Blairs new cabinet.

17 July, 2006

The Browns third child James Fraser is born.

7 September, 2006

Brown pledges his support for the prime minister after Tony Blair says he will leave office within 12 months.

25 September, 2006

The Chancellor voices regret over past differences with the PM as he sets out his stall for the Labour leadership.

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