Gordon Brown becomes Prime Minister

Gordon Brown has become Prime Minister, taking over from Tony Blair after ten years as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Brown was asked by the Queen to form a government on 27 June, shortly after Blair tendered his resignation at Buckingham Palace.

A change of leader

Brown was elected unopposed as leader of the Labour Party earlier this month, after no other candidate gained enough nominations. He had long been seen as Blair's natural successor.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Brown promised change and said he would try his utmost to meet the concerns of the British people. He referred to his school motto, "I will try my utmost".

Blair's departure

Blair, who has been Prime Minister since 1997, left Downing Street with his family and headed to his constituency in Sedgefield. He has announced that he is standing down as an MP and will become a Middle East peace envoy.

Blair won three general elections, the first Labour leader to do so. His time in office included the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, investment in public services and the controversial decision to go to war in Iraq.

The new cabinet

Brown is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming hours. Alistair Darling is tipped to become Chancellor, and there are reports that Brown wants to include people from outside the Labour Party in his government.

Who is Gordon Brown?

Brown, 56, was born in Glasgow and grew up in Kirkcaldy, Fife, the son of a Church of Scotland minister. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned a PhD in history.

As Chancellor, he gave the Bank of England independence to set interest rates, kept Britain out of the euro and presided over a long period of economic growth.

Challenges

Brown faces a number of challenges, including the continuing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, pressure on public services and the need to win back voters before the next general election.

The Conservative leader, David Cameron, has said Brown has no mandate from the public and should call an election.

Brown has promised a government of all the talents and a new style of politics.