HIS predecessor opted for exotic destinations such as Barbados, Egypt and Florida.

HIS predecessor opted for exotic destinations such as Barbados, Egypt and Florida.

But with a gloomy economic forecast ahead, Gordon Brown has decided to follow the example of many cash-strapped families this summer and take a UK break - with the Suffolk coast apparently in his sights.

It is thought that during Parliament's summer recess, the Prime Minister and his family may spend a week in the Southwold area before heading up to his family home in Scotland.

Teresa Baggott, mayor of Southwold and landlady of The Red Lion, said she would be thrilled if he visited the town.

“For him to holiday here would be fantastic,” she said.

“There would probably be a few eyes opened at first if he was walking down the street with his family but he would be more than welcome.

“Historically Southwold is a very Conservative town and always has been but I do not think that anyone will bat an eyelid. Politics should be put out of the way during the summer anyway.

“It is a fantastic place to bring a young family because we have got a great big stretch of beach and beach huts which children enjoy and then there is the pier with all the great things on there.”

But with rising food and petrol prices and concerns that a recession may be on the way, not everyone is happy about the idea.

When asked what she would say if Mr Brown called to make a reservation, one guest house owner in Southwold replied: “I would tell him there is no room at the inn.

“He is ruining the country and he would not be welcome around here I can assure you of that. It is a Conservative area and people would probably pelt him with bad eggs.”

Five things to keep Gordon occupied on his holiday.

1) Fish and chips at Aldeburgh

2) Framlingham Castle

3) Pleasurewood Hills, Lowestoft.

4) Greyhound racing at Yarmouth Stadium

5) Suffolk Wildlife Park, Kessingland