Gordon Brown given a schoolbook airbrushing

FIRST he lost the general election - and now Gordon Brown has been ousted from a children's book.

The former prime minister is featured in a schoolbook titled An Important Case, but is to be replaced - again - by David Cameron.

The move was necessary to ensure the book "moves with the times", according to Oxford University Press (OUP).

Rod Theodorou, director of OUP's primary publishing, said: "We're completely politically neutral, but we have always ensured Oxford Reading Tree moves with the times and reflects society. I'm afraid cuts affect politicians too. At the next election we will have new artwork all ready should there be another change of heads."

The story, one of the Biff, Chip and Kipper series, tells how Kipper finds a briefcase in the bushes. The police help them return the case to its owner - Gordon Brown, top right. OUP said that to maintain the relevance for today's schoolchildren, this role will now by taken by Mr Cameron, below.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg does not make an appearance. The latest edition will be published in the new year.