This pretty interesting piece just caught our eyes. The Telegraph reports that Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown had blocked Apple CEO Steve Jobs knighthood back in 2009. Details on that, after the break.
The then-Prime Minister refused to knight Mr Jobs in 2009 because he turned down an invitation to speak at the Labour Party conference, a former senior Labour MP said.
Mr Jobs was snubbed despite the 2005 award of an honorary knighthood to Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and a long-term rival. His friend Bono, the U2 front man, who collaborated with Apple on a special charity edition iPod, is also an honorary KBE.
The former MP was told by Downing Street that the decision was related to a failed attempt to attract Mr Jobs to Labour’s annual conference. Given his status as a superstar of business and technology, such an appearance would have been viewed as a coup for Mr Brown.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown says that the allegations levelled against him of blocking Steve Jobs knighthood are wrong. On behalf of him, his spokeswoman said:
Mr Brown did not block a knighthood for Steve Jobs
However, if this report is anything to go by, it looks like former Prime Minister Gordon Brown really took it upon his heart when Steve Jobs didn't attend the Labour's annual conference.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs is currently on a medical leave of absence from the company while retaining his position as CEO. Many don't expect him to appear at the upcoming iPad 2 launch event as well.