The former prime minister was visiting Adam Smith college in Kirkcaldy The former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has confirmed he will not be standing down as an MP in an address to college students in his home constituency. Mr Brown and wife Sarah were making their first public appearance since leaving Downing Street. He told the students at Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy, Fife, that he intended to sit on the backbenches. Mr Brown resigned as both prime minister and Labour Party leader on Tuesday. He was speaking in the hall where he was returned to serve as constituency MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath with an increased majority after the general election count on 6 May. 'First love' After joking that he had considered signing up for courses in communication skills, public relations and media management at the college, where he holds the position of chancellor, Mr Brown revealed he would continue to sit as a backbench MP at Westminster. The former prime minister said: "I also lost a few titles in the last two or three days, so it's good to be able to continue with the title you gave me a few years ago as chancellor of the college. "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. "In case anybody was in any doubt because of the announcements that were made this week, I am wanting to do everything I can to work for people here, for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, as your Member of Parliament, and I will do that to the best of my ability for these next few months and years." His remarks were greeted with applause by about 200 students and staff who had gathered to listen to him. Football game Mr Brown added: "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." In his five-minute speech he revealed that he had done his "first major interview" with the local Fife Free Press newspaper, and was now holding surgeries as an MP. Mr Brown said he wanted to help and encourage young people to get involved in community projects and to keep youngsters off the streets. He highlighted the example of a midnight football game, organised with the help of his favourite team Raith Rovers. Mr Brown joked: "They have not asked me to sign up for next season unfortunately."



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