Bad news for Button, McLaren, Silverstone and possibly all British motorsport fans

08/12/2009
NEWS STORY

On inheriting the role from Tony Blair, prime minister Gordon Brown promised that much would change under his leadership. One of the first things to go, so we were promised, other than spin, would be the celebrity fixation at Number 10 Downing Street. Previously, it was common to see Blair and his wife hob-nobbing with stars of stage, TV screen and the pop world, the former PM even appearing in a couple of TV comedies and children's shows.

Sadly, under the dour Scot nothing has changed, and while the PM has yet to be present at the repatriation of one single soldier from two wars he and Blair went into under highly dubious circumstances, Brown is known to find the time to commiserate with losers in a number of reality TV programmes including the X Factor.

Putting that aside however, what should be of real concern to motor sport fans is the fact that the PM attended yesterday's British Racing Drivers' Club Awards gathering in London. Speaking at the event, Brown revealed a "life-long passion for motorsport" as he presented Jenson Button with the Richard Seaman Trophy.

It is not for nothing that Brown has gained something of a reputation as a Jonah, the prime minister appearing to jinx just about everything he comes in contact with.

For those with a short memory, here are a few example of Jonah Brown, courtesy of that icon of the political blogsphere, Guido Fawkes.

When England was knocked out of the 2006 World Cup against Portugal - Jonah was there.

When England lost 2-1 at Wembley against Germany - Jonah was there.

When Scotland lost to Italy- Jonah was there.

When England lost the rugby World Cup final - Jonah was there.

Who was it that opened Lehman Brothers swanky London HQ - that's right, Jonah.

In September, the Fife Free Press noted heavy job losses just two months after a visit from Jonah.

In May, Sheffield Springs, a school Jonah had praised for its 'Dynamism', was subsequently described as "inadequate" by Ofsted inspectors just days later and given a grade four - the lowest possible mark.

Jonah visited Sellafield on January 23. A report subsequently released by a Board of Inquiry revealed that on the very day of his visit a radioactive leak was discovered.

Tennis player Andy Murray met Jonah in late April, the following week he crashed-out of the Rome Masters tournament in the first round. His worst result since August 2008.

Ahead of Ricky Hatton's title fight against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Jonah, said: "It's going to be a tough fight but I know Ricky can beat anyone. I wish him the best of luck." Hatton was knocked out in the second round after being knocked down twice in the first round.

On March 2, Jonah landed in Washington by teatime the Dow had crashed to an historic low.

In February, days after Jonah hailed the port of Southampton, describing it as "one of the most important parts of the economy", it was announced that 10 percent of the workforce was to be axed.

In January, during a visit to Honda's factory in Swindon, Jonah said: "We are working with all parties involved to improve the situation to help safeguard car production jobs and improve financing options for car buyers". Two weeks later the company announced that it was to mothball the plant in response to a slump in car sales.

Also in January - and saddest of all - Jonah paid a visit to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. A mere 24 hours later, Spurs went bottom of the Premier league, with captain Ledley King being stretchered off the pitch.

After arriving under a heavy police escort on January 9, Jonah was given a tour of the multimedia newsroom at Media Wales' by managing director Keith Dye. On January 13, Mr Dye was made redundant.

Shortly after a visit to KPMG's offices in Birmingham, two floors in the same building were destroyed by arsonists.

Mobile phone company Ericsson opened a new building in Coventry earlier this year. Unwisely, they invited Jonah to pay a visit, which he did. Months later it was revealed that 700 jobs were to go.

In November, Jonah met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai in Downing Street. Two days later, Dubai announced it could no longer service billions in debts, triggering global stock markets to tumble.

In June, Jonah announced that he was to personally intervene in the Corus crisis, fearful for the future of 2,000 jobs at the company's Teesside works. Last Friday it was revealed that 1,700 workers will lose their jobs in January after Corus confirmed it will shut down the plant.

Shortly after a visit to David Beckham's football academy in south-east London, it was announced that the academy is highly likely to close by the end of the year.

Be warned motor sport fans, the curse of the Jonah is upon us.