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Gordon Brown becomes British Prime Minister

28 June 2007 11:42 (UTC +04:00)

The reigns of power have been handed over in London. Tony Blair has stepped down as prime minister and leader of the ruling Labour Party â€” replaced by his former finance minister, Gordon Brown.
Blair already has a new job, however. He has been appointed as representative of the so-called Middle East Quartet â€” trying to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Former Treasury chief Gordon Brown became Britain’s new prime minister on Wednesday, promising a new direction after Tony Blair resigned.
The change of watch was made according to British tradition - quietly and behind closed doors in Buckingham Palace. Blair first called on Queen Elizabeth II to submit his resignation, and Brown arrived soon after to be confirmed as the new prime minister.
"This will be a new government with new priorities," Brown told reporters outside his Downing Street office minutes later. "I’ve been privileged with the great opportunity to serve my country."
Brown, a 56-year-old Scot known for his often stern demeanor, beamed as he was applauded by Treasury staff before heading with his wife, Sarah, to the palace, and he smiled broadly when he emerged.
The new composition of the government will be announced today, the only new finance minister will be announced tomorrow in order to prevent possible alarms in London Stock Exchange.
Blair is in line to become chief envoy to the Quartet of Mideast peace mediators, consisting of the U-S, European Union, Russia and the U.N. /APA/