Gordon Brown joked about his sparse attendance in parliament as he returned to Westminster for a speech on Scotland.
The former prime minister, who is still a sitting MP, has come under fire for his Commons voting record, earning him the nickname “the lesser-spotted Gordon.” Since January, he has spoken in just two Commons debates and taken part in 11 out of 160 votes.
In his opening remarks before an address on Scotland today, Mr Brown thanked the organisers for “facilitating my reintroduction and re-acquaintance with Westminster.”
He added: “The official guide here to the House of Commons is showing me round the place later to see what it looks like and my re-induction process is about to begin in the next few hours.”
Last October, he described himself as an “ex-politician” despite still sitting as an MP – and earning the £67,000 salary and expenses that come with the role. During a panel discussion, he was asked his views “as a politician” but interjected to say: “ex-politician.”
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Many in Westminster suspect that he will stand down as MP Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath at the general election next May. His spokesman has previously said that he has “no plans” to do so.
Mr Brown’s office did not respond to a request for comment.