Gerald Brown

Gerald Spencer Brown (born 16 March 1944) is a Brunanter former politician. Leader of the Free Liberal Party from 1977 to 1986, and again from 1998 to 2000, he was one of the key members in the party's change from the old Liberal Party to the Free Liberal Party.

Brown joined the Liberal Party in 1967; the government response to the Protests of 1968 shaped his thinking into a more center-right one, becoming part of the shift to the right the party was seeing.

Brown was one of the key members of the party involved in the transition to FLP in the mid-1970s. A clear identity was needed for the Liberals, as the 1973 election proved disastrous as much of the center-right vote fell to the Christian Democratic Union. Edward Willemont orchestrated a coup with Brown that saw the party choose Lionel De Meer as leader in 1975. Brown was named leader ahead of the 1977 election, polling results were going poorly as De Meer was seen as too old.

The 1977 election proved a resurgence for the party, finishing third just behind the CDU, with the consequence of dividing the popular right-wing vote. In the 1981 general election, the party attempted a middle-ground campaign, and while improving in seat count was unable surpass the CDU or SDP. The FLP, though, did form part of a CDU-led coalition government.