Page "George Brown, Baron George-Brown" Paragraph 2

The school wanted Brown to stay on beyond the age of 15, but Brown decided to leave to earn his living and help his parents financially.

He started work as a junior clerk in the ledger department of a City firm, but was made redundant after pressing his fellow clerks to join a trade union.

From 1932 he worked as a fur salesman for the John Lewis Partnership, dropping his Cockney accent to appeal to society customers.

Brown earned a great deal on commission.

During this time, Brown continued his education through London County Council night schools and the Workers ' Educational Association.

The poverty of his upbringing led Brown in later life to resent those who had a more privileged background and a university education.