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Strictly speaking Mr Brown, you should be leading
Joe Murphy, Political Editor11.12.08
HE'S ALWAYS been strictly serious, but Gordon Brown tried to lighten up today by taking a twirl with Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist Lisa Snowdon.
Only one problem spoiled what should have been a spin doctor's dream photocall: Mr Brown, as ballroom enthusiasts instantly spotted, adopted the female position for their brief dance.
At the very least, it meant the Prime Minister was playing second fiddle to his celebrity partner, when they opened a new London headquarters of the Global Radio Group. It confirmed what his critics had suspected: he is not the type of chap to whisk his partner off her feet for a night of waltzing.
The traditional hold in ballroom dancing has the man's right hand holding his partner around her waist. His left arm is the one that is meant to be outstretched, holding her right hand. In the PM's case, the arms were reversed. Downing Street was strictly ignoring the embarrassing mistake. Asked if he had ever been taught to dance, a spokeswoman promised to make inquiries but was markedly slow in coming back.
The gaffe could have earned Mr Brown the distinction of being an even worse dancer than former BBC political editor John Sergeant, who bowed out of the TV contest.
Capital FM presenter Ms Snowdon stars in the BBC television programme's final this weekend. Mr Brown's dancing days were thought to be over rather sooner.
Reader views (14)
Female position eh...!! Ohh er missus.
- Philip, Bristol
This will no doubt start all those rumours that Peter Mandelson was busy starting all those years ago... "completely untrue", of course...
- Niccolo Machiavelli, London, UK
For goodness sake, instead of critizing we should all be encouraging him to give up the day job!
- Pushkin, Pushkin, Durham
Another pathetic photo op from Mr "serious people for serious times" Broon. Add this to "Writing" to the X-factor contestants, we can see the spin and triviality that NuLav have always been so fond of, is still central to their philosophy. Worth noting of course, that Labour "luvvie" Lord Attenborough, is the chairman of Capital Radio, for whom Sarah Snowdon works. The government supply Capital with a lot of advertising revenue, as they do with many commercial broadcasters as well. Doing Photo ops with Labour, are all part of the deal.
- Srn, London, UK
Can we vote him off now please?
- Tpr, IOW
He's an idiot.
- Lord Elvis, Brown's La-La Land
Thats it then - Lisa's lost my vote
- Jack Ladd, Bodmin Cornwall
When in doubt follow, copy or sit it out!
- Oap, Cambridge UK
Wonder what Vince Cable charges for lessons?
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
In yet another disasterously calamitous week for Britain's evaporating businesses, and with the country heading for near irrepairable damage, Gurner Gordon's trivially been drifting around radio studios, filling TV sofas and generally hiddeously attempting to promote his grotesque image.
Lord help us.
- Dave, cumbria
The man's the luckiest ever. If other people made the mistakes he makes they would bring back capital punishment
- Lemar, London
No wonder this oaf won't stand for election. Both his feet are left ones.
- L.Taubler, London / UK
The dancing photo call should have shown Gordon Brown doing the TWIST. Something he is more closely familiar with
- Alex Pomeroy, london
Can this idiot get nothing right. He could resign of course.
- Albert Hall, hove england
